HL Deb 25 March 1964 vol 256 cc1247-8

2.37 p.m.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are now in a position to make a statement about the results obtained from the further contact that has been made with those local authorities who had previously refused to consider the granting of relief to football, cricket and other sporting clubs, in respect of the rates payable on their playing fields, as it was intended should be done under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1961.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD HASTINGS)

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has written to four rating authorities about their alleged refusal to consider applications on merits. One authority rescinded its decision not to entertain applications; one refuted the allegation that it had not given any relief; one replied that only one sports club had asked for relief and that had been refused on merits; and one admitted refusing all applicants but explained that most would have lower rates this year than before the revaluation, and that the decision had been taken against the background of a local increase in the domestic share of the rates.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, I should like to ask him whether the Government will continue to bring pressure to bear in future on those local authorities who do not carry out the intention of the 1961 Act. Furthermore, is my noble friend aware that all amateur sporting clubs who have received relief or who are in difficulties are grateful to the Government for the action they have recently taken in this matter? And will the Government be prepared to continue in future to act in this way, should it be shown to be necessary?

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for his expression of gratitude to Her Majesty's Government. It is certainly to be understood, and I welcome this opportunity of making quite clear, that my right honourable friend expects every decision to be taken on merits. I welcome this opportunity of drawing attention to his view. The intention of the Act, of course, is that proper consideration should be given to all applications.