§ 17. Sir D. Rentonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the high cost of town development schemes places a disproportionately high rate burden upon ratepayers in places where such schemes have been, or are being, carried out; whether he will reconsider the financial arrangements under the Town Development Act; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollI do not think that the evidence supports any general contention that town development places a disproportionately high rate burden on the receiving authorities.
§ Sir D. RentonWill the hon. Member look into this matter much more closely? Is he aware that the Town Development Act, which had the support of all parties, was passed 14 years ago, and that the grants payable under it have proved to be quite inadequate in respect of recent developments? Will he look into the matter further?
§ Mr. MacCollI examined 20 cases of town development grants in London. In eight cases the increase was higher than the national average and in 12 cases it was lower.