HC Deb 15 June 1966 vol 729 cc1436-7
16. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce legislation to remove anomalies in the rating system.

Mr. Ross

I have done so.

Mr. Taylor

What is the point of complaining about lack of progress following smoke control orders and at the same time allowing the ridiculous anomaly of the rating of night storage heaters and central heating installations to continue? As an order was introduced recently, why was the opportunity not taken to do something about this ridiculous anomaly?

Mr. Ross

I introduced the Measure, and if the hon. Gentleman has any constructive amendments to make to it he may place them on the Notice Paper. I assure him that I will then give them due consideration.

Mr. William Hamilton

Would my right hon. Friend say for how long this and allied anomalies have existed and what has been done to remedy them in the last 50 years?

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend will appreciate that they have been in existence for a long time, certainly since the introduction of smokeless zones, which is the point the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) has in mind. I am sure that my hon. Friend knows the answer to his question, because the information is to be found not only in legislation but as a result of the findings of the Scottish courts in relation to valuation proceedings.