HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 cc1829-30
22. Mr. Assheton

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what are the highest and lowest sums so far assessed for development charge on building new dwelling-houses.

Mr. Dalton

One thousand six hundred and fifty pounds and nil.

Mr. Assheton

Does the Minister appreciate the tremendous deterrent to private house building represented by these very heavy development charges which are levied?

Mr. Dalton

It is all laid down by law, and I seem to remember that the law embodying this—the Act of 1947—was not regarded as controversial by the Opposition when it was going through.

Mr. Assheton

Be that as it may, does the Minister appreciate that the way in which this is working out—and that is what we are concerned with—is that private house building is being deterred by these very high charges? Will the Minister be good enough, as this concerns his Department, to look into the matter to see whether or not he should advise the Government to take some action?

Mr. Dalton

As the House knows from previous answers I have given, I have asked the Chairman of the Central Land Board to make proposals to me for administrative easements in this matter I received his proposals a few days ago. and I am going into them. I hope that after Whitsuntide I shall be able to say something about them. I do not accept the view that house building is being restricted by the development charge.

Mr. Jennings

Would the right hon. Gentleman disclose the basis upon which these charges are made, because they seem to vary in every part of the country?

Mr. Dalton

The basis is laid down by law. The basis is the difference between the value of land with and without planning permission.