§ 27. Sir Richard Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects Professor Allen's Committee to report on the hardship caused to those ratepayers on whom the recent valuation 206 has fallen most severely; and if he will make a statement on their progress.
§ Sir K. JosephThe Committee has been asked to report as early as possible; but it has only just held its first meeting and it is too soon to say when the report can be expected.
§ Sir Richard PilkingtonWill my right hon. Friend keep in mind that, for many households, this remains a very urgent and pressing problem?
§ Sir K. JosephYes, indeed.
§ Mr. MacCollDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, if the Allen inquiry is to be of any value, it must be thorough and carried out in a proper, scientific way? Does this not mean that, in order to relieve the pressure on the ratepayers, the Government should introduce some kind of standstill until the Committee has been able to do a proper job?
§ Sir K. JosephCertainly the Committee will want, and the Government will wish it, to do a thorough job. But if the inquiry takes too long it may be necessary to ask for an interim report.
§ Mr. F. M. BennettWill my right hon. Friend reply to a question I have asked before on this subject? What does he suggest for people living on small fixed incomes who have not the resources to pay 100 per cent. extra on their rates? Does he suggest that they should vacate their homes or refuse to pay rates?
§ Sir K. JosephI am suggesting neither. I am asking people to wait the necessary time so that the Government can assess what, if anything, needs to be done.