HC Deb 03 March 1964 vol 690 cc1111-2
27. Dr. Alan Glyn

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1962, the operation of Sections 138 to 140 bears onerously upon owners of property for which no genuine market value can be ascertained; and if he will take steps to amend those Sections.

Mr. Corfield

If owners of property consider that the price offered for their property under the blight provisions is not equivalent to the full market value of the property it is open to them to go to the Lands Tribunal. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to amend the provisions.

Dr. Glyn

Is my hon. Friend aware that with all this wonderful machinery genuine hardship falls on the individual owner with property in this area and that it is impossble to get the market value or a reasonably quick settlement for the purchase of such property, which are practical problems in spite of the legal safeguards?

Mr. Corfield

The case which my hon. Friend sent to me was rather unusual in that the purchase notice appears to have been lost en route.

Dr. Glyn

Is not my hon. Friend aware that there are many other cases in a similar category?

Mr. Corfield

No, I am not aware of problems arising where the provisions of the Act bite, but if my hon. Friend will send me other examples, I will look into them.