§ 34. Mr. Doddsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases notice has been given to valuation officers of appeals against the new rating assessments up to the latest convenient date.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)Up to the end of September, about 650,000.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that this matter is getting into a hopeless mess, and has he not got sufficient evidence now to prove 1602 that many small shopkeepers are having a desperate time; and when, therefore, does he hope that the 650,000 are going to be dealt with—during the life of the present Government?
§ Mr. BrookeThe 650,000 represent only about 4 per cent. of the total number of rating assessments; and the hon. Gentleman will be glad to hear that of that number no fewer than 150,000 have already been withdrawn or settled by agreement.