HC Deb 22 April 1958 vol 586 cc770-1
41. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that institutions such as the Allied Circle and English Speaking Union are facing extinction due to the greatly increased rateable value under Rating and Valuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1955, and owing to the ruling that Section 8 does not apply; and what action he will take in order to keep these valuable international institutions open.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

I understand that some institutions have had substantial increases in rateable value and may not be entitled to relief under the Act of 1955. My right hon. Friend has no power to abate a rate demand.

In reply to the hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Ramsden) on 23rd January, my right hon. Friend announced the appointment of a Committee to advise him on the rating of charities and similar bodies. My hon. Friend must now await the Report of that Committee.

Mr. Wall

Can my right hon. Friend say when this Committee will report? Is he aware that, though the word "extinction" is an exaggeration in respect of great national institutions such as the English Speaking Union, even those institutions are suffering a very real burden due to the decision of the courts on Section 8, and that small institutions, such as the Allied Circle, which has had a rates increase of some 300 per cent., are facing a disastrous situation? Can he hold out some hope of rapid relief?

Mr. Bevins

My hon. Friend will appreciate that these increases of rates are serious for those bodies, but I do not think that it is wise to exaggerate their effects. I am sure that any Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Fred Pritchard will get on with the job expeditiously.