§ Sir C. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the large number of appeals against new rating assessments which are being and are likely to be made, he will postpone for six months, until 30th April, 1962, the date by which all appeals have to be settled, so that ratepayers may be assured that there will be time for their professional advisers adequately to represent their interests and for all appeals to be heard.
§ Mr. MaclayThere is as yet insufficient evidence of the volume of appeals to enable me to decide whether the last date for their disposal by Valuation Appeal Committees should be extended. I am, however, watching the position closely.