15. Mr. J. Wellsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give instructions to local rating valuation officers to make due comparison between residential properties of similar and dissimilar character when future rating assessments are made and when appeals are considered.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterValuation officers take account of such comparisons where appropriate both when making rating assessments and when considering appeals.
Mr. WellsIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the past valuation officers have used a phrase "the tone of the list" and that this has apparently been upset in recent months? Could my right hon. Friend take definite steps to restore the equilibrium in this matter of comparison?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not know whether my hon. Friend has in mind the particular case which he drew to my right hon. Friend's attention, in which I agree that the letter sent to him was not very happily or completely expressed. 627 If it is another matter, perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to draw it to my attention.