HC Deb 14 November 1966 vol 736 cc7-8
12. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources how many owner-occupied houses there are in Great Britain; and how many of these together with their gardens have a development value which would subject them on disposal to levy under the Land Commission Bill.

Mr. Willey

There are approximately 8 million owner-occupied houses in Great Britain. It is impossible to say how many of these have a development value which would be subject to levy if they were sold.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If it is impossible to say how many would be liable to development value, why did the right hon. Gentleman resist an Amendment to exempt owner-occupied houses from this levy on the ground that there were so few of them?

Mr. Willey

I said that it is impossible to say how many. We did not make an exemption because, on the merits and justice of the case, it appeared that this development value should fall subject to the levy.

Mr. Graham Page

But during the course of the Report stage of the Land Commission Bill—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We cannot debate the Committee or Report stages of the Bill now.

Mr. Page

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The right hon. Gentleman has given a different answer from that given by his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in certain previous proceedings—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is in order for a Minister to give a different answer. It has been done.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.