HC Deb 14 February 1956 vol 548 cc2167-8
52. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the average time from agreement to payment by the Central Land Board of claims under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1954.

Mr. Powell

This information could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. The circumstances of individual cases vary greatly, but, generally speaking, if only the applicant is concerned, the Central Land Board makes the payment as soon as he agrees with its determination.

Mr. Remnant

Surely my hon. Friend would agree that, when a claim is agreed, the Central Land Board is quite unable to state when the person is likely to receive payment. Might it not hasten payments if interest were paid on the same basis as is demanded by the Inland Revenue from taxpayers who have not paid?

Mr. Powell

The rate of interest is fixed by the relevant Statute, but I am advised that the time interval between agreement and payment is normally very short.