5. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the percentage increase in the rate income of local authorities in the year 1966–67.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)So far, 36 authorities have informed us officially of their rate poundage for 1966–67. The sample is too small to justify a valid estimate for the whole country.
Mr. TaylorHas the hon. Gentleman read the statement which Lord Fraser made at his firm's annual meeting today, that consideration was being given to moving the headquarters of the company down South and to closing several of the stores in Glasgow because of the very high rate burden? What steps, apart from exhortation and inquiry, is the Minister taking to prevent a dramatic rise in rates this year?
§ Dr. MabonI can make no comment on what has just appeared on the tape attributed to Lord Fraser of Allander. I have no doubt that his Lordship will be aware that there are procedures under the Valuation Acts which were passed by a Conservative Government entitling him to appeal against the assessor's present valuation. As regards the other matters, the hon. Gentleman knows what my right hon. Friend and I have done to try to persuade local authorities that in this year of revaluation they should not go as high as they did under the Conservatives, in 1961, with a 19 per cent. increase.
§ Mr. MonroIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the rate increases which have so far been reported by local councils seem to be around 15 per cent.? Is not this far in excess of anything which will be helped by his Local Government Bill?
§ Dr. MabonIn fairness, it should be said that the rise in the system over the last five or six years has been between 6 and 9 per cent. The teachers' salary award, which, I understand, is not opposed by hon. Members opposite, will add something like 3 per cent. Therefore, there is this figure which can be assessed as being, perhaps, the normal figure in a revaluation year. The Secretary of State would deplore any increase higher than the kind of figure suggested by the hon. Gentleman.
Mr. TaylorIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.