HC Deb 22 March 1938 vol 333 cc978-9
24. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the decision of the Lands Valuation Appeal Court on Monday, 14th March, in the case of the Inverness County Assessor versus Sam Cameron and another regarding the assessment of crofters' houses for rating purposes?

23. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the position now is regarding the proposal to regard crofters' dwellings as separate subjects for assessment?

Mr. Elliot

The hon. Members will have seen in the Press that appeals have recently been decided by the Lands Valuation Appeal Court in certain cases of proposed entry in the current valuation roll for Inverness. While it is not for me to interpret the decision which has just been pronounced, I understand the position to be that the court have in general confirmed the view that such entries should not be made and that effect will be given to this decision in the current valuation roll.

Mr. Mathers

Will this apply to other authorities as well, and, in view of the fact that rates will not come in to the local authorities, will the Treasury be involved in further grants to them?

Mr. Elliot

I could not say as to the second part of the question, but as to the first part, naturally this decision will rule in general.