§ 34. Mr. Allasonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what were the average rate payments for a domestic hereditament in England and Wales in 1951–52, 1956–57, 1961–62, 1964–65, and 1966–67.
§ Mr. MacCollI will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. AllasonCan the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the figures confirm my impression that there was a flat increase of approximately 5½ per cent. per year under the Tory Government and approximately 14 per cent. a year under the Labour Government?
§ Mr. MacCollThe hon. Gentleman would do well to study the figures.
§ Mr. RipponAt any rate, will the Minister correct the false impression of his hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich. West (Mr. Hamling), who intervened on an earlier Question to say that there had been relief for ratepayers as a result of Government policies? Will he agree that next year the ratepayer will receive the largest bill in his life?
§ Mr, MacCollThe ratepayer will receive the best services and the largest grants.
§ The following are the figures:
§ The estimated average annual rates for a domestic hereditament are:
| £ | s. | d. | |
| 1951–52 | 16 | 8 | 0 |
| 1956–57 | 18 | 13 | 1 |
| 1961–62 | 25 | 5 | 10 |
| 1964–65 | 32 | 8 | 5 |
| 1966–67 | 40 | 7 | 0 |