§ 82. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government on what date he replied to the letter, dated 6th November, 1964, from the clerk of the Bournemouth Local Valuation Panel; if he is aware that the situation to which that letter refers is causing some ratepayers to refrain from giving evidence before the valuation court; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanI am sorry for the mishap which caused the clerk's first letter to be overlooked in my office. A letter was sent to the panel yesterday explaining that I was not yet in a position to comment on its representations. I am not aware that ratepayers in general are deterred from supporting their appeals to local valuation courts, but I am consulting the Lord Chancellor on the question of the award of costs by the Lands Tribunal.