New Valuation Lists

HC Deb 25 January 1951 vol 483 c287

32. Mr. Bevins

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the postponement of the date for the new valuation lists for rating purposes from 1st April, 1952, to 1st April, 1953.

Mr. Dalton

I am satisfied, after consulting the Board of Inland Revenue, that the volume of work involved makes it necessary to defer the date to 1953, and I have informed the local authority associations accordingly. The necessary Order will be made in due course.

Mr. Bevins

In view of the obvious difficulties of the Inland Revenue and the impracticability of the scheme, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider postponing this costly experiment?

Mr. Dalton

It is laid down under an Act of Parliament which was passed in 1948, and we shall carry it out by degrees.