§ 51. Mr. Morleyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he has considered the resolution adopted by the Association of Municipal Corporations, a copy of which has been sent to him, that he should set up a committee of inquiry to consider and report upon the full implications of Sections 67 and 68 of the 1929 Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend has considered the resolution but cannot add to the statement he made in the course of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Valuation for Rating Bill.
§ Mr. MorleyIs the Minister aware that the loss in rateable value through derating to Southampton is £140,000, which is the equivalent of a rate poundage of 1s. 8½d.? Would he agree that the reasons for which derating was allowed in 1929 are no longer valid and that with the constantly increasing rates it is time that this matter was looked into again?
§ Mr. MarplesDerating at this time would put stresses and strains on the economic situation. If derating was to be undertaken, I think the hon. Member would agree that it could better have been carried out five or six years ago.
§ Mr. McAddenWill my hon. Friend be very careful in dealing with this matter to bear in mind that the chairman of the Productivity Council of the T.U.C. stated most emphatically that to do away with derating now would be a disastrous step?