§ 4. Mr. Rhodesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has for improving the procedure of the Valuation Panel in New-castle-upon-Tyne when appeals for reduction in the rateable assessments of house properties are received and heard.
§ Mr. MacCollThe broad outline of the procedure to be followed by valuation courts is laid down in the Local Government Act, 1948, and the Regulations made under it. Subject to that, the procedure is for the court to determine.
§ Mr. RhodesIs my hon. Friend aware that many Newcastle ratepayers have complained that they do not get a fair crack of the whip in the present appeal procedure and that public confidence in the city in this procedure is lacking? Would he agree that, if the points in the memorandum which I have submitted to him were put into effect, confidence would be restored, especially as this morning the Chairman of the Newcastle Valuation Panel has stated that he agrees with all my proposals, except one?
§ Mr. MacCollI think that the points which my hon. Friend sent to me mainly affected the valuation rather than the administration of the valuation courts. If this is so, they are points for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I have sent him a copy of the memorandum for his consideration.