HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc59-60
31. Mr. Bullard

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what proposals he has for easing the hardship caused to residents in seaside towns and villages by the increase in rates; and whether, in making proposals, he will distinguish between the two uses of property, for genuine and continuous residential use, and for weekend and holiday occupation.

33. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if hewill make a statement about Government policy for seaside boroughs affected by extra heavy rate increases.

Sir K. Joseph

I must ask my hon. Friends to await the Bill which I shall shortly present.

Mr. Bullard

While we are all very glad that a large number of people can afford to have weekend houses by the seaside, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that competition from these weekend houses with those occupied by local residents is sending up the rateable values of those houses and the rates many times? Will he look especially at the problem where the district in which these houses are situated is a small one, where there is no industry to carry the extra rate burden and where great hardship is caused to the householders concerned?

Sir K. Joseph

I prefer to deal with this matter when my hon. Friend has seen the terms of the Bill.

Sir J. Eden

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that he is taking into full account the position of elderly people who have retired in these areas, whose incomes are fixed and who find it extremely difficult to meet the burdens placed upon them?

Sir K. Joseph

That is certainly an important factor which one cannot ignore.

Mr. F. M. Bennett

Can my right hon. Friend carry us a little further concerning his interpretation of "shortly"? Does it mean before Christmas or in the New Year?

Sir K. Joseph

Before Christmas.