§ 25. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he proposes to take to ensure that equitable valuations as between subjects in various valuation areas will result at the quinquennial revaluation in 1966.
§ Mr. LeburnParliament has very recently enacted, in Section 15 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1963, that evidence as to the valuation of property in other valuation areas can be brought before a Valuation Appeal Committee. I have no reason to think that further steps will be necessary to secure equity between one area and another.
§ Mr. GourlayI appreciate that alterations have been made in the legislation as a result of pressure brought to bear on the Secretary of State by the local authorities in Fife and in Dunbartonshire. Is the Minster aware that thousands of pounds have been spent in the last few years by Scottish local authorities in appealing against the valuations determined by the assessors? Therefore, will not the hon. Gentleman refer to the Scottish Advisory Council the question of equitable valuations throughout Scotland to ensure that at the next quinquennial valuation the same anomalies do not arise as happened on the last occasion?
§ Mr. LeburnSince evidence about comparable properties in other areas can now be brought forward at the appeal stage, I do not think that any assessor would propose valuations out of line with those elsewhere in Scotland, except where there are real differences in circumstances.