§ 68. Mrs. Emmetasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the policy exercised by the valuation officers in rating small flats higher than houses of moderate size is militating against elderly people moving out of houses where they are over-housed into flats, as they cannot afford the rates; and what action he is taking on this matter.
§ Sir K. JosephThe assessments of flats and houses depend, not on any policy pursued by valuation officers, but on the rents which these properties could be expected to command. If flats have the higher assessments—I am assuming that the assessments are correct—it is because people have been prepared to pay more rent for them. As regards the second part of the Question, I would ask my hon. Friend to await the Bill which I hope to present shortly.