§ 34. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. STEPHEN)asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that non-parlour council houses are being assessed at a higher rateable value in the South Devon assessment area by the Newton Abbot rural rating authority than more commodious privately-owned houses of the parlour type; and what steps he intends to take to see that such discrimination against council-owned houses is brought to an end?
§ Commander SOUTHBY (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed that proposals for increases in the assessments of a number of council houses in Newton Abbot rural district, and other areas in the county, have been made by the Devon County Valuation Committee, the body on whom devolves the statutory duty of promoting uniformity of assessment throughout the county. He understands also that the Newton Abbot rural rating authority intend to oppose the proposals relating to their district when they come before the local assessment committee for determination. There is a right of appeal from the decision of the assessment committee to quarter sessions, but the matter is not one in regard to which my right hon. Friend has any jurisdiction.