§ 27. Mr. Houghtonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the basis of fixing the gross value for rating purposes of new blocks of office buildings in England and Wales.
§ Mr. DeedesThe valuation officers of the Inland Revenue are at present valuing new blocks of office buildings by reference to the values of similar properties already entered in the valuation list for the particular area.
§ Mr. HoughtonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is quite contrary to the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, which governs the determination of annual value of miscellaneous properties other than houses?
§ Mr. DeedesYes, that is true, but until revaluation is completed this is the fairest way of doing it, as I think the hon. Member, who has some knowledge of the subject, is aware.
§ Mr. HoughtonWill the hon. Member agree that it is not a question of fairness but a question of applying the Act of Parliament?