HC Deb 24 April 1951 vol 487 cc209-10
56. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the hardship caused to a purchaser of a house which he had formerly rented in the area of the Bucklow, East Division on discovering that the Commissioners will not permit the Schedule A assessment to revert to the lower rate applicable to owner occupancy, he will give appropriate publicity to the divergent treatment accorded to these assessments solely by these particular Commissioners.

Mr. Gaitskell

I feel sure the hon. Member's Questions, and my answers, have already given this matter appropriate publicity.

Mr. Erroll

Not nearly enough publicity, surely, to remedy this injustice?

Mr. Gaitskell

I would not say not enough publicity. I am sure we can rely on the hon. Member to take further steps in the matter if he thinks it really necessary.

57. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much additional revenue has accrued annually for the last five years to the Treasury through the refusal of the Commissioners of Income Tax for the Division of Bucklow, East, to permit the reversion of the Schedule A assessments in their district to the lower rate applicable to owner-occupancy where appropriate, contrary to the general practice in the rest of the country.

Mr. Gaitskell

I regret this information is not available.

Mr. Erroll

Here is a little more publicity now. Will the right hon. Gentleman take the necessary steps to make the money available, as he has no right to the money he has extorted from my constituents?

Mr. Gaitskell

I cannot take steps to make it available because I do not know what the assessment would otherwise have been.