Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware of the hardship likely to arise from the operation of the London and Middlesex (Improvements, &c.) Act, 1936, and Acts incorporated therewith, since compensation payable thereunder is based on 1939 values; and whether he will seek 307W means to alleviate this hardship by introducing legislation to bring the compensation terms more into line with present-day values as has been recognised in the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, and the Requisitioned Land and War Works Bill.
§ Sir S. CrippsI have been asked to reply. The compensation payable on compulsory acquisition by a local authority is governed by the general law in force at the date of notice to treat. The 1939 standard did not apply where notice to treat was served before 17th November, 1944. Under Part II of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1944, compensation was based generally on 1939 values (with supplements in certain cases) where notice to treat was served on or after 17th November, 1944 and Part V of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947 substituted a basis of current restricted values where notice to treat was served on or after 6th August, 1947. These provisions apply to acquisitions under the authority of the London and Middlesex (Improvements, etc.) Act, 1936 as to any other acquisitions under general or local legislation by a Government Department or public or local authority, and I am not aware that any special point arises.