§ 57. Mr. Geoffrey Hutchinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the case of certain dwelling houses in Romford Road and New North Road, Dagenham, occupied by their owners, and recently acquired compulsorily by the London County Council, particulars of which have been supplied to him, the assessment of compensation payable to the owners will exclude any value attributable to vacant possession; and what steps he is taking to remedy this injustice.
§ Mr. JayParliament decided, in considering the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, that public authorities should not be compelled to pay inflated prices attributable to vacant possession. There is no action which I can take in the particular cases to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. HutchinsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman recognise how unfairly this Section of the Act is operating in the case of these owner-occupiers? Surely, in the circumstances, some action ought to be taken, particularly as this Section of the Act does not appear to have been adequately considered in the House of Commons?
§ Mr. JayThis decision was made by Parliament after debate in 1947, and we cannot act now except in accordance with the law.
§ Mr. HutchinsonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.