§ 14. Mr. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to clarify public understanding about the origins and effect of, and responsibility for, revaluation.
§ Mr. MaclayI think that it is generally understood that the revaluation has been carried out in pursuance of the Valuation and Rating (Scotland) Act, 1956, with the object of placing rateable values on a uniform basis throughout Scotland. Advice to ratepayers on their personal position has been given in the Press, in B.B.C. programmes, by leaflets issued by some local authorities and in Ministerial speeches.
§ Mr. RossSurely the right hon. Gentleman appreciates that the receipt of these revaluation notices in Scotland has led to doubt, disgruntlement and even despair, much of it due to misunderstanding? This has been visited on the heads of local authorities which have nothing to do with it. As this is a Parliamentary matter for which the right hon. Gentleman has direct responsibility, will not he take it upon himself to resolve all these doubts and assure the people of Scotland that this is not something that is due to the whims of the local authorities?
§ Mr. MaclayI was under the firm impression that all these bricks were landing on my head.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanThe right hon. Gentleman drops them.
§ Mr. GrimondDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a very unfortunate moment for this extremely steep increase in the valuation of shipyards? It has fallen on an industry which is very depressed. I agree that the Government must take responsibility for the timing of this step which will affect the industry severely.
§ Mr. MaclayThe timing of revaluation was determined by an Act which was passed several years ago. It is being done as quickly as possible, in view of the difficulties. I am aware of certain problems, but I think that we must await the final outcome before we can form a view of the matter.
§ Mr. T. FraserIs the Secretary of State aware that much of the good work 952 done by some local authorities in publishing these leaflets has been undone by the Ministerial speeches to which he has referred? Will he take a leaf out of the book of the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance who is always sending us leaflets and booklets explaining the provisions of the National Insurance Acts which are also available to the public? Will he undertake responsibility for publishing a leaflet which will be distributed in large numbers to all local authorities in Scotland so that the whole of Scotland might receive responsible and reliable information from the right quarter?
§ Mr. MaclaySome time ago I discussed with local authorities the possibility of their sending these leaflets to the public, which would have been the right way to do it. In some cases they have done so, but not in as many cases as I had hoped. I will consider what the hon. Gentleman has said.