§ Mr. Rootsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many appeals against assessments in the 34W current valuation list for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are outstanding; how many appeals were heard in April; what steps he has taken to expedite such hearings; and whether he is aware that delay is causing anxiety.
§ Mr. MacCollThe number of appeals outstanding is 7,668; 80 were listed for hearing by courts in April.
The panel are averaging three courts a week and my right hon. Friend does not regard this as unsatisfactory. The progress made in despatching appeals depends not only on the number of courts held but also on private negotiation and settlement between the valuation officer and the ratepayer and we must hold the balance between the two.