§ 30. Mr. Morrisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what reply he has sent to the Clerk of the Porthcawl Council's letter to him drawing his attention to the hardships caused by revaluation and the rate demand to ratepayers in its area.
§ Sir K. JosephI have sent the hon. Member a copy of my reply.
§ Mr. MorrisI thank the Minister for his courtesy in sending me a copy of his reply. Would he agree that this increase is particularly onerous to the ratepayers, especially having regard to the lack of industry in the area? Is he aware that a large number of pensioners come to retire at Porthcawl? Am I to understand from his letter that he can offer no immediate relief to the ratepayers of Porthcawl?
§ Sir K. JosephI certainly can offer no immediate relief, although the committee Which I am just about to set up will make its inquiries in just that sort of situation. I would only say that the ratepayers of Porthcawl are returning, so far as the share of the burden on the domestic ratepayer is concerned, to the pre-1955 pattern, although this is small comfort to those who are particularly hit.
§ Mr. C. HughesWill there be representatives from Wales on the committee that the Minister is about to set up?
§ Sir K. JosephNo. This is not in any way a representative committee. It is purely a fact-finding committee and we shall keep it as small as possible to do the job quickly.
§ Mr. HughesHow can the facts in Wales be ascertained accurately unless there is a Welsh representative on the committee? Does not the right hon. Gentleman, as Minister for Welsh Affairs, realise that it is his duty to consider the Welsh position in the matter?
§ Sir K. JosephYes, but I have every confidence in Welsh authorities and Welsh men and women being able to make their case to a committee when it is set up.