§ 21. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary to the Treasury what action is being taken to meet the complaint of the Canvey Island Urban District Council that the new valuations for rating, in so far as they apply to the island, are unfair, having regard to the exceptional effects of the East Coast flood disaster of 1953 upon rental values and other relevant considerations.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThis complaint was investigated by the valuation office. The investigation gave no grounds for thinking that the assessments in general had not properly taken into account the relevant local circumstances. The council was so informed. Appeals against a number of individual assessments are under consideration and will be dealt with by the local valuation court.
§ Mr. BraineDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that if there is only one way in which to test complaints of this kind, namely, by using the appeal machinery laid down by law, it is most unfortunate that the valuation officer who issued letters to appellants is now seeking to dissuade them from making appeals at a time when a plan of this kind was under consideration? Will the right hon. Gentleman accept from me the grateful thanks of my constituents that he has issued instructions to the valuation officer to amend that letter?
§ Mr. BrookeNo, Sir. I do not think there was anything wrong with the original letter issued, but clearly it gave rise to certain misunderstanding and, therefore, it has been re-issued in an amended form. The purpose of the letter was to be helpful by informing possible appellants that they would have to bring forward grounds of appeal recognised by law and that the general grounds on which many were seeking to appeal were not, in fact, valid.