§ 56. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many protests he has received from shopkeepers against the Valuation for Rating Act, 1953; and what action he is taking.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. W. F. Deedes)My right hon. Friend has received about 40,000 letters on this subject. He is circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed statement in reply to the Question by my right bon. Friend the Member for Blackburn, West (Mr. Assheton). In addition, my right hon. Friend has discussed the position with a deputation from the National Chamber of Trade.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhat has the right hon. Member for Blackburn, West (Mr. Assheton) to do with it? I do not understand it. Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that this is evidence of nationwide dissatisfaction with the present Government? When will the present Government abandon their pretence of being the friends of the small shopkeepers and the small business men?
§ Mr. DeedesPerhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will await the reply which my right hon. Friend will circulate.
§ Mr. BeswickIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, although there may have been 40,000 letters on the subject, prior to this Question being put on the Order Paper there had been only one Parliamentary Question on the subject, and that was a Question asked by me in the last Session, and I am still waiting for the information I was then promised?
§ Mr. DeedesI do not think that the hon. Gentleman will have to wait very much longer.
§ At the end of Questions—