§ 56. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether in order to simplify procedure, new town corporations can be authorised to pay agreed claims for loss of development value in all cases of acquisition of land, whether by agreement or by compulsion.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend is afraid that this is not yet possible in all cases. Where land is acquired compulsorily and the compensation cannot be settled by agreement, the basis of assessment remains fixed by the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, until that is amended. There are also some cases where the amount payable on the claim for loss of development value cannot be determined in advance of further legislation. But for the most part public authorities, including new town corporations, are free to pay the amount of the agreed claim relating to the land in addition to the existing use value.
§ Mr. BraineIs my hon. Friend aware that the latter part of his answer will be received with satisfaction by people affected by land transactions in new towns? But in view of the fact that he is limited in the power of direction to new town corporations, will my hon. Friend take special steps to publicise his answer to ensure that the new town corporations observe not only the letter but the spirit of it?
§ Mr. MarplesI can assure my hon. Friend that his Question and answer will be brought to the attention of the new town corporations.