HC Deb 10 March 1938 vol 332 c2106
54. Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to resolutions passed by various area assessment committees in favour of assessing agricultural cottages on their prospective values and not on their rental value as fixed by the Agricultural Wages Boards; whether he is aware that this is having a deterrent effect on the production and amenities of cottages for the agricultural population; and whether he will confer with the central advisory assessment authority with the object of having farm cottages assessed on their actual rental value and not on their market value?

Sir K. Wood

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part, therefore, does not arise. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the basis of assessment for rating purposes is determined by statute, and that the Central Valuation Committee has no power to modify this basis.

Mr. Turton

Is the Minister aware that the 1929 Act does affect certain farm cottages on the actual rental value and that there would only be a small number left? Will he, therefore, look further into the matter?