HC Deb 05 May 1949 vol 464 c1193
14. Mr. Walker-Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the present arrangements for the constitution of Local Valuation Panels under the Local Government Act, 1948, gives sufficient assurance of adequate local representation; and whether he proposes to promulgate any regulations in regard thereto.

Mr. Bevan

Yes, Sir. I do not, therefore, propose to deal with this matter by regulation.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Does not the Minister appreciate that, in some cases, all the membership is appointed by county councils, and that, therefore, the rating authorities themselves have no right to appoint members; and is he further aware that in the case of some schemes no consultation is had with the rating authorities, and would he use his powers under Section 45 to modify such schemes as those?

Mr. Bevan

I think it would extend the area of nomination and consultation very widely indeed if we had to consult every county district in Great Britain which was a valuation authority before, and I am satisfied that local interests are fully represented in the way I have described.