§ 35 and 36. Mr. W. Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the total expenditure of public money for the revised 20 valuation of 46,000 properties and premises in east Shropshire;
(2) in view of the anxiety caused to the ratepayers, the local councils, and finance officers of east Shropshire, if he will take action concerning the valuation officer and staff who have wasted public money on an incompetent valuation of properties and premises in east Shropshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI regret that in east Shropshire, which is one out of some 270 valuation areas in England and Wales, a question has arisen as to the general standards of values applied and a special review is in progress. The valuation officer concerned has been relieved of command.
In order to carry out the review in the area, the professional and clerical staff have been reinforced from other offices. Most of the extra work will fall as an additional burden on the existing staff of the valuation service. The additional expenditure will not be great.
§ Mr. YatesIs my right hon. Friend aware that his reply will cause great satisfaction to east Shropshire, and that we are grateful that the matter has been dealt with by the Valuation Office so promptly?