HC Deb 17 October 1950 vol 478 cc1872-3
40. Mr. Lionel Heald

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that the undertaking given to the House and subsequently embodied in Circular 62, dated 20th October, 1948, to exempt from development charge dwelling houses erected for agricultural workers, is being interpreted by his Department as applying only to houses provided for one agricultural worker and not to houses provided for a number of agricultural workers, notwithstanding that they are all employed by the person who erected the house; and whether he will take the necessary steps to remedy this anomaly forthwith.

The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Dalton)

I sympathise with the hon. and learned Member's suggestion, but the inclusion of hostels presents certain administrative difficulties. I am, however, looking into the question to see whether anything can be done.

Mr. Heald

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House that he will apply the same enlightened common sense to the question of development charges generally?