§ 52. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is now in a position to assess the effects of revaluation under the Valuation for Rating Act, 1953.
§ Mr. DeedesNo, Sir. Not yet.
§ Mr. CollinsCan the hon. Gentleman say whether his right hon. Friend adheres to the assurance, which he gave in December last year, to make any necessary changes when the effects of revaluation are known? Will he further say how we can properly consider the Rating and Valuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill on Second Reading tomorrow when we do not know its effect upon tens of thousands of ratepapers?
§ Mr. DeedesI can give the hon. Member the assurance from my right hon. Friend that he adheres to the statement he made on 6th December. I may add that he did make this clear at a meeting of representatives of the main organisations whom he saw on Monday of last week.
§ Mr. CollinsCan we know what the proposals are, so that we can properly discuss the Bill tomorrow?
§ Mr. DeedesThat will be one of the points which will arise in tomorrow's discussions.
§ Mr. PannellIs not the purpose of Clause 1 of the Bill which is to be considered tomorrow merely a device to put this question out of the way until after the next election?
§ Mr. DeedesNo, Sir; emphatically not.
§ 59. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will meet representatives of the National Chamber of Trade before the revaluation of business premises becomes effective.
§ Mr. DeedesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. King) on 29th March.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes not the Minister realise that when a Minister makes a promise to the public it should be carried out—whether or not it is an Election promise?
§ Mr. DeedesYes, and as my right hon. Friend will show tomorrow, he has every intention of carrying it out.