HC Deb 29 May 1962 vol 660 cc1135-6
13. Mr. Box

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what recommendations he has received in regard to the more efficient use of living accommodation by the installation of central heating systems;and whether he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

Recommendations on this subject were included in the recent report "Homes for Today and Tomorrow" prepared by the Housing Standards Sub-Committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee. They were brought to the notice of local authorities in Circular 13/62 which was sent out in February.

Mr. Box

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the present archaic custom of increasing rating assessments on central heating and other such amenities is a direct discouragement to the carrying out of these recommendations? Will he consult his counterpart at the Treasury to see whether some new approach to this problem can be made in the future?

Mr. Rippon

I think that, other things being equal, if a house has better amenities, it is likely to command a higher rent, and this is properly reflected in Its rateable value.

Mr. Lipton

Will not the hon. Gentleman be satisfied with the trebled assessment which he will get next year, when the new valuations come into force? Why put this additional burden upon occupiers, when the burden is to be trebled next year, anyhow?

Mr. Rippon

I think the hon. Gentleman is trying to suggest that the rates will be trebled, but if the rateable value goes up the rate poundage should in fact fall. That, at any rate, is the theory.

Mr. Snow

Are not such valuation increases in conflict with the clean air legislation which already exists? Are they not a discouragement?

Mr. Rippon

No.