HC Deb 14 November 1966 vol 736 cc10-1
16. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he will publish a list of all those concerns in public ownership whose activities will be exempted from the payment of a development levy.

Mr. Willey

The Bill sets out clearly which bodies are given exemptions from levy.

Mr. Farr

Is it not grossly unfair that nationalised concerns should be put in this privileged position, especially when in many of their undertakings they are competing directly with private businesses which have, or will have, to pay full levy on their operations?

Mr. Willey

The hon. Member will remember that we discussed this matter and that these exemptions were made purely on practical grounds.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the Minister aware that the Bill does not set out clearly all businesses which are exempt from development levy, and that, in particular, he was extremely ambiguous about the position of housing associations?