HC Deb 27 November 1951 vol 494 cc1088-9
4. Mr. Charles Grey

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to the whole system of development charges on new housing.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Development charges on new housing are part and parcel of the whole system of dealing with compensation and betterment which is embodied in the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947. On this, I cannot add anything to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond), on 12th November.

Mr. Raymond Gower

While appreciating the Minister's answer, may I ask him to explore every possibility of ending these development charges on houses, as they tend to discourage that thrifty class of the community whose efforts are likely to relieve the community of the burden of housing them?

Mr. Macmillan

I will do my best, but I am afraid that the Town and Country Planning Act is not a question of exploring avenues but of feeling one's way around a maze.

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