§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the postponement of the quinquennial valuation next year, it has been brought to his notice that local authorities are refusing to consider applications for derating until this revaluation takes place; and whether, in place of the postponement, he will consider proposing such alterations in the law of rating as will enable both landlord and tenant in such circumstances to apply for derating at any time?
§ Mr. ElliotThe matter has not been brought to my notice. Existing statutory provisions enable applications for derating to be made during the currency of the present valuation lists, but perhaps my hon. Friend will let me know of any case in which difficulties may have arisen in relation to those provisions.