§ Mr. Ramsdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has now considered the representations he has received as to the appropriate level of rateable value to be fixed for the purpose of Section 39 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1959; and what decision he has reached.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI have considered these representations and, after carefully studying them, have decided to adhere to the figure of £250 net annual value, which I believe will bring the great majority of small business owner-occupiers within the terms of the Act. I am laying an Order today accordingly. I propose to ask local authorities, in a circular to be issued shortly, to exercise discretion beyond this figure where there is genuine hardship; I already have an assurance from the local authority associations that cases of hardship can be met, provided the authorities are allowed to purchase at discretion in advance of requirements. I intend to watch the position carefully.