§ 54. Mr. Edward Lyonsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the need to reverse the upward trend of national fire losses, he will take steps to amend the Plant and Machinery (Rating) Order 1960 so that fire-fighting equipment shall be exempt from assessment for rating purposes.
§ 61. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Gvernment whether he is aware of the practice of local authorities of raising the rate assessment on industrial premises if sprinklers or other fire protection devices are installed; and whether he will review the relevant legislation with a view to giving greater encouragement for better fire protection measures to industrial establishments.
§ Mr. MacCollAny improvement which increases the letting value of a property is liable to lead to an increase in its rateable value. My right hon. Friend does not think that it would be practicable to make a special exception for fire-fighting equipment.