HC Deb 10 April 1951 vol 486 c810
24. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why was Mr. I. C. Macrae, Eilean Donan, Cradle Hall, Inverness, required to pay a development charge of £130 for a house he has built on scrub land of no agricultural value.

Mr. McNeil

I regret I cannot undertake to answer Questions about individual cases involving payment of development charge. This is a subject within the day-to-day administration of the Central Land Board and I have asked the Board to communicate with the noble Lord.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Does the Minister not think that the position in this case is monstrous? Is it not in the interests of the country for the right hon. Gentleman to encourage all the house building he can? The house in question is built on land which is of no agricultural value.

Mr. McNeil

Perhaps the noble Lord will discuss the matter with the Central Land Board when he is on the spot.

Commander Galbraith

Will the Minister do his best to ensure that anything which hinders development in Scotland is put right?

Mr. McNeil

It is also my duty to accept the law.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the Minister aware that, instead of being charged development value, a builder who wants to build on scrub land should be paid for building on it instead of using agricultural land?