§ 65. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether 378 his attention has been drawn to the fact that land is assessed for Death Duties at the value at the time of the death of the owner; and how he proposes that land that may be purchased by a public authority should be bought at the value as at 31st March, 1939?
§ The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I am aware of the fact to which my hon. Friend draws attention. For the detailed application of the principle of the 1939 ceiling I would ask him to await the necessary legislation.
§ Sir H. WilliamsMay we take it that there is no possibility that on the same day the State will acquire land at one price, and tax it at another?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe point is worthy of careful consideration. When we come to legislate we shall be able to discuss it further.
§ Mr. ShinwellAbout this necessary legislation, of which we have heard a great deal recently, could the right hon. Gentleman say when it will be forthcoming?
§ Mr. MorrisonI hope in good time for its purpose.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman amplify his reply by saying what is meant by "in good time"?
§ Mr. MorrisonIn time for it to be effective for the purposes for which it is designed.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIn order to get over the difficulty of the dates mentioned by the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams), would it not be easier to ask landlords to die at the appropriate date?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am afraid that such a request would not be welcomed with any unanimity.
§ Mr. StokesWill any legislation be accompanied by an explanation of how the 1939 valuation was arrived at?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt will contain proposals which the House can discuss.
§ Mr. Speakerrose—
§ 67. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether his attention has been called to the appeal by the mayors of Plymouth, Sheffield, Norwich, Southampton, Portsmouth, Birkenhead, Swansea, Bootle, Wallasey, Exeter, Kingston-upon-Hull, Coventry, Salford and Bristol, urging the immediate passage this autumn of a Bill dealing with compulsory purchase of land by public bodies and the acceleration of procedure for entering into possession; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir." In answer to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, I cannot at present add to the reply which I gave him on 22nd September.
§ Mr. ManderCannot my right hon. Friend make rather a bolder response to the appeal of these very influential cities and towns, and promise the introduction of legislation by the end of the year?
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not care to be pinned to dates which the future falsifies; but we are proceeding with legislation as fast as possible.
Viscountess AstorIf the Government cannot proceed faster, will they put in power somebody who will? We have waited two years now, and Plymouth is getting fed up.
§ Mr. MorrisonThat does not rest with me.