§ 72. Mr. H. Fraserasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain county councils, including the Staffordshire County Council, are increasing the strength of their county valuation departments, although such departments in view of the Local Government Act, will become redundant in 1949; and whether he will circularise county councils pointing out the necessity for economy in local administration.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware that the Staffordshire County Council have decided to add to the staff of their valuation department: I understand that they wish to do work previously carried out 97W for them by a private firm. I think it is important that county valuation committees should continue to take an active interest until the transfer to the Inland Revenue Department. On the last part of the Question I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular I have sent to local authorities.