HC Deb 10 June 1981 vol 6 cc397-8
10. Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the agreed system for valuations for council homes by tenants wishing to exercise their right to buy.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Murphy

Does not my hon. Friend agree that, if a local authority employs the district valuer to assess valuation, that department acts as both judge and jury if it provides a revaluation at the tenant's request? Is not a fairer appeals system needed?

Mr. Finsberg

No, Sir. The present arrangements for the district valuer do provide for an impartial professional determination, even when the initial valuation has been done by his office. In no case will a valuer who has initially valued a dwelling redetermine its value under section 11. Such redeterminations will be carried out personally by the district valuer or his deputy.

Mr. Joseph Dean

As the sale of council houses seems to be the sole basis of the Government's policy on council house tenants, is it not about time that the Government got their priorities right and gave greater consideration to those who are on waiting lists and who have no homes of their own?

Mr. Finsberg

The hon. Gentleman should learn the facts about the inaccuracies of waiting lists.