§ 13. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the obiter dicta in the Court of Appeal in the case of Young versus Greater London Council, he will send a circular to dissuade local authorities which use their own employees for 253 valuing property which they acquire compulsorily from presenting evidence to the courts in such a way as to minimise the compensation payable; and if he will seek powers to control the valuation practices of local authorities.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. IremongerHas the right hon. Gentleman not read the judgment and seen that this Machiavellian intrigue was described by Lord Justice Russell as having as its sole purpose to ensure that private citizens should secure the minimum compensation possible?
§ Mr. RobinsonIt is not the first time that the hon. Member has sought under the cloak of Parliamentary privilege to question the professional integrity of the Greater London Council's valuers. I have read the account of the case and it is certainly my view, whatever the hon. Member may say, that it is not at all clear that the court found any fault with the council's actions. The court found in favour of the council.
§ Mr. IremongerOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.