HC Deb 03 February 1970 vol 795 cc61-2W
36. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why information as to which local authorities use their own employees as valuation officers to value property which they compulsorily acquire is not available to his Department now, since it was given in detail on 20th June, 1967 in a Written Answer; and whether the information then given is still correct.

Mr. Denis Howell

The information requested by the hon. Member on 16th December, 1969, is not available because no continuing record is kept of the practice of individual local authorities, which may vary from time to time. I cannot say whether the information given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in reply to the somewhat different Question which the hon. Member asked on 20th June, 1967, is still correct.

37. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will publish as a White Paper the obiter dicta of two Lords Justices in the Court of Appeal in Young versus the Greater London Council censuring valuation officers employed by the London County Council for their conduct in valuing property acquired compulsorily by their employing authority.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. The judgements are already available in published form and can be studied impartially by people who wish to draw their own conclusions from the decision reached by the court as well as theobiter dicta of the Lords Justices. Many people will not agree with the interpretation of the hon. Member.