§ 20. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that certain local authorities and citizens object to county councillors sitting on local valuation courts; and if he will ensure, when confirming schemes submitted to him for approval, that, where possible, persons who are independent of the authorities whose rates are affected by their judgment, are chosen for these courts.
§ Mr. H. BrookeFrom the rest of England and Wales, outside my hon. Friend's constituency, I have had hardly any such complaints or representations. So far as I am aware, the working of the courts generally has given a wide measure of satisfaction; anyone dissatisfied by their decisions has a right of appeal to the Lands Tribunal.
§ Sir I. FraserWill my right hon. Friend take note of the fact that there is no criticism of county councillors here? Indeed, I was one myself thirty-five years ago. Nevertheless, will he bear in mind the fact that the county councillor represents a body which gets about 60 per cent. of the rates, and that he is therefore an interested party and ought not to sit on a court which decides how much the rate incidence shall be?
§ Mr. BrookeWith great respect to my hon. Friend, I do not think that the average county councillor would be influenced in his work on a valuation court by the consideration that there might be a marginal increase in the total rateable value 964 as a result of his decision. I am considering whether anything needs to be done to increase the number of members of these courts who are not representatives of local authorities, but it is heavy and unpaid work, and I should like to express gratitude—I hope that I may do so on behalf of the whole House—to those who are ready to take it on.