§ 1. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what it is anticipated will be the proportion of the total weight of rating which will be 2 borne by the occupiers of houses on the one hand, and shops and offices on the other hand, when the full effects of the forthcoming valuations can be fully measured.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Duncan Sandys)I would not care to try to forecast the results of the new valuation.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are already indications that one of the results of revaluation may be to place an unduly large burden of rating upon owners of shop and office property? Will he reassure the House that it is his intention to try to hold the balance as fairly as possible between that kind of property and private houses?
§ Mr. SandysI have already made some fairly full statements on the subject to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopHas the right hon. Gentleman at least made sure that industry pays its proper quota towards these burdens?
§ Mr. SandysI think that point arises in a later Question on the Order Paper.
§ 2. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now state what action he proposes to take to implement his undertaking to maintain the rating of the northern and southern outfall sewers.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. W. F. Deedes)My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. LewisDoes the Minister still abide by the assurance that he gave in Committee that the local authorities concerned will not lose in any way by whatever action he eventually takes?
§ Mr. DeedesMy right hon. Friend gave that assurance, and we have been exploring the position with officials of the London County Council.