Rating and Valuation

HC Deb 29 November 1945 vol 416 c1528

38. Mr. McLeavy

asked the Minister of Health what steps the Government propose to take for the reform of the present system of rating and valuation.

Mr. Bevan

I cannot hold out hopes of early action in this matter owing to the many other more urgent questions which are fully occupying the time of all those concerned.

Mr. McLeavy

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate the urgency of this matter, having regard to the increase in the financial responsibilities of local authorities; and is he not aware of the general desire that an early step should be taken, particularly in the repealing of the Derating Act?

Mr. Bevan

My hon. Friend will have ample opportunity to debate the matter and discuss all these aspects of local government finance. I appreciate the need for the overhauling of all the machinery of local government finance, but there are certain substantial changes to be made before very long in the functions of local authorities, and we ought first to see what they are before we overhaul their finances.