HC Deb 13 December 1955 vol 547 cc990-2
21. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what approaches have been made to him in the last three years for the abolition of industrial derating; and whether he will give details of the persons and organisations that have made such an approach.

27. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to be in a position to make a statement with regard to Government policy relating to the rating of industrial premises.

28. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he has taken to ascertain the views of industrialists about changes in the principle of industrial derating.

Mr. Sandys

I have received numerous representations, both for and against the abolition of industrial derating, from hon. Members of this House; from local authorities; from organisations representing industry and commerce; from trades unions, ratepayers' associations and a large number of individuals.

I have no further statement to make at present on this subject.

Mr. Lewis

So that the House may have a correct analysis of who is for and who is against industrial derating, will the Minister give a summarised list in HANSARD of the number of trade unions, individuals and business firms who are either for or against it?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think so.

Mr. K. Thompson

Apart from the partisan nonsense of the last Question, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether nevertheless he will be good enough to consider issuing a White Paper on this very important matter so that all the interests may be taken into account by the House?

Mr. Mitchison

In view of the close connection of this proposal with the new valuation lists which will be coming out shortly, when does the Minister expect to make a statement, if ever?

Mr. Sandys

As I have explained, the whole question of local government finance is undergoing a review at this present time and, as I have also made clear on more than one occasion, the question of the system for rating industry will of course be included as part of that review. The review is not yet complete and it is not unconnected with the exami- nation of the problem of local government organisation, upon which I hope to make a statement after the Recess.