§ 27. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will take to ensure that caravan site operators pass on to the residents the saving in rates they have realised as a result of individual rating of caravans.
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend would certainly expect site operators in these circumstances to adjust their pitch rents, but he is not yet satisfied that special steps to compel them to do so are needed.
§ Mr. LubbockWhat information has the hon. Gentleman about the practice of site operators in this respect? Does he not consider it grossly unfair that those residents who have been levied as to two years' back rates are entitled to claim 1392 rebates only from April last year, and will he introduce legislation to remove the anomaly?
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend is looking at the problem, but the difficulty is that there are many other people to whom this may happen and not just those in caravans. But as regards refunds of rates, I imagine that site operators are very much aware that the eyes of the hon. Gentleman and other are on them at the moment and will think this is the sensible thing to do.