HC Deb 03 July 1951 vol 489 c2124
17 and 18. Miss Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning (1) if he will give an assurance that the Central Land Board will no longer require land owners to pay stamp duty on agreements covering the possible change of use of farm workers' houses which at present are not subject to development charge;

(2) why, in view of the fact that farm workers' houses are free of development charge, the Central Land Board seeks to make land owners enter into an agreement covering the possible change of use of a farm worker's house at an unspecified future date.

The Minister of Local Government and Planning (Mr. Dalton)

The payment of development charge is postponed while the house is occupied by a farm worker. If it ceases to be so occupied, the charge becomes payable. In order to postpone the charge, a stamp duty of 6d. is payable.

Miss Ward

What statutory authority is there in the Act for charging that 6d.? Is the right hon. Gentleman not satisfied that the protection given in the Act safeguards the position of houses for farm workers?

Mr. Dalton

I am perfectly satisfied. I do not think 6d. is much to pay for the postponement of the development charge.

Miss Ward

What is the statutory authority for so doing?

Mr. Dalton

If I did not believe it to be legal I should have stopped the charge.