HC Deb 14 March 1967 vol 743 cc192-3
12. Mr. Maddan

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the postponement of the 1968 revaluation, he will set up an inquiry to examine hardship which may be caused to various classes of ratepayer as a result of the inadequate evidence of market rents; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. MacColl

My right hon. Friend recognises that shortage of evidence of market rents creates difficulties, but revaluation would not have removed them. He does not think there is a case for a special inquiry.

Mr. Maddan

But is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the postponement has, in fact, exacerbated and will exacerbate the unfairness of the present system, and that we must recognise that this system will be with us still for some years yet?

Mr. MacColl

As we are still wrestling with the backlog left by the last revaluation, it would not be wise to have another valuation at the moment. It certainly would not speed up machinery.