HC Deb 04 November 1937 vol 328 cc1119-20
69. Mr. Emery

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a memorandum has been sent to local authorities in connection with the quinquennial valuation stating inter alia that where increased assessments are suggested by the Central Valuation Committee these must be accepted, otherwise the committee will act independently; and will he communicate to the House the full terms of the memorandum?

Sir K. Wood

I am aware of the issue of the memorandum which was recently issued by the Central Valuation Committee established under Section 57 of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, and will place a copy in the Library. The committee have no power themselves to make assessments and, as my hon. Friend will see, the memorandum is directed to general principles.

Mr. Shinwell

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether arising out of the position in the Central Valuation Committee there will be an increase in assessments?

Sir K. Wood

No one can say that.

80. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make a statement on the decision of the Central Valuation Committee on the revaluation of privately-owned dwelling-houses; whether he is aware of the indignation aroused through fear of increasing assessments; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter?

Sir K. Wood

The Central Valuation Committee have recently issued a memorandum to local authorities in pursuance of their duty of promoting uniformity in valuation. The Committee have no power to take such a decision as is suggested in the first part of the question, the actual assessment of property being in the hands of the local assessment committees. I am aware that the memorandum has in some quarters been misunderstood, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Heywood and Radcliffe (Mr. Porritt) on 28th October dealing with this point. In reply to the last part of the question, the committee is a statutory body acting independently of the Minister of Health.

Mr. Shinwell

In order to reassure owners of small dwelling-houses, will the right hon. Gentleman say categorically that there will be no increase and that their apprehensions are unfounded?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir, I shall certainly say nothing of the kind. It is a matter for the assessment committees. I am dealing here with an allegation concerning the memorandum. I am advising the hon. Gentleman to study it, and I hope he will take his part in dispelling any misunderstanding which may exist.

Mr. Shinwell

Am I to understand from that reply that the fears of many of these owners of small dwelling-houses are, to some extent, justified?

Sir K. Wood

Not necessarily. It may be that their assessments will be reduced.