HC Deb 25 October 1949 vol 468 cc109-10W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning (1) under what provision of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, the Central Land Board are insisting upon the payment of development charges before permission is granted to a farmer to erect a dwelling house on his land for the occupation of a son or other person who assists him in the management of the farm; and whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the concession referred to in circular No. 62 issued by his Department to all local authorities shall apply to all houses erected for occupation by members of the agricultural population, including those required for farm bailiffs or managers if erected on actual farm land;

(2) how he has defined a house qualifying for exemption from development charges under the special concession referred to in circular No. 62 issued by his Department to local authorities.

Mr. Silkin

Under Part VII of the Act development charge is payable before building operations which give rise to charge are carried out. Circular 62, to which the Central Land Board give effect, provides that in the case of certain houses for agricultural workers the collection of charge may be suspended. It fulfilled a pledge given when the Act was before Parliament as a Bill and was designed to encourage the building of cottages for farm workers. The concession does not extend, and I see no reason to extend it, to houses for farmers or for their bailiffs or managers.