§ 3.15 p.m.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORT-FOLIO (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, I beg to move this Motion which stands in my name. I think it would be convenient that I should say a few words in explanation of this Order which has become necessary by reason of the rating changes which come into effect throughout England and Wales on April 1. The Coalmining (Subsidence) Act, 1950, under which this Order is made, gives the owners of certain dwellings financial cover against the effects of mining subsidence. The Coal Board have to make good any damage to the dwellings covered by the Act or pay compensation in lieu. The Board can recover half the cost from the Exchequer up to a maximum of £250,000 a year, and in fact the Exchequer contribution has been at the maximum in recent years.
Section 1 (2) of the Act provides that it shall apply to dwelling houses with a rateable value of not more than £32 in England and Wales and £52 in Scotland. The proviso enables the Minister to make an Order substituting higher or lower figures having regard to any changes in the valuation of premises for rating purposes and any such Order must receive the approval of both Houses of Parliament. As rating valuations in England and Wales have recently been revised a new Order is necessary, but as there has been no alteration in Scotland the limit of £52 will remain. After consultation 741 with local authority associations, from whom my right honourable friend has received great assistance, it was agreed to adopt a figure of £50 for England and Wales. The Order must be passed before April 1, if a large number of persons who at present enjoy the protection of the 1950 Act are not to he deprived of it now. I beg to move,
§ Moved, That the Coal-Mining (Subsidence) (Rateable Value) Order, 1956, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday the 14th instant be approved.—(The Earl of Munster.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.