§ 9. Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the Community Land Bill and the proposed Land Authority for Wales.
§ Mr. Barry JonesMy right hon. and learned Friend has received representations from a number of local authorities and other organisations including church representatives.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the Minister have no sympathy for the churches and charitable institutions which have a valid objection to having their premises confiscated at existing use value? Does he have no sympathy with the housebuilders' federation, which says that the effect of the Bill will be to damage the house building programme? Does he have no sympathy with the National Farmers' Union and the Civic Trust?
§ Mr. JonesMy sympathies are expected to extend widely this afternoon. Welsh Ministers have every sympathy for churches in Wales, and the Government recognise that for the churches there may be some special problems. I repeat the undertaking which was given by my right hon. and learned Friend during the debate on Second Reading of the Community Land Bill that we shall see to what extent within the principles of the legislation some of the difficulties can be overcome. I know that the hon. Member for Conway (Mr. Roberts) has recently put his name to more than 30 amendments relating to Welsh aspects of the Bill, and he will have an opportunity to pursue his points in Committee.
§ Mr. AndersonSurely everyone must recognise that in the end exemption from development tax will come for religious authorities. To resolve their uncertainties, the sooner an announcement to that effect is made the better.
§ Mr. JonesMy right hon. and learned Friend gave an undertaking on Second Reading which I have repeated.