HC Deb 19 July 1966 vol 732 cc370-1
37. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation so that in a case of compulsory purchase full compensation be paid in an assessment by independent assessors, irrespective of whether the property is owner-occupied or not.

Mr. Crossman

Existing legislation already provides for full compensation to be paid when property is compulsorily acquired, whether or not it is owner-occupied. Any disputes about compensation are settled by the Lands Tribunal which is entirely independent of the parties.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Would the Minister accept that members of the public complain because owner-occupied property is sometimes unfairly treated and that the district valuer's assessment would be aided if he had the help of independent assessors to give him the local conditions?

Mr. Crossman

I am not convinced that we ought to change the present system. In any case the value of the owner-occupier's freehold will obviously be greater than if it is subject to a tenancy for which compensation is paid to the tenant.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that in the 17 years of its existence the Lands Tribunal has built up a very high reputation for the way in which it discharges its difficult jurisdiction?

Mr. Crossmn

Yes, Sir.