§ Mr. Graham Pageasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will ensure that betterment levy is not payable at the start of mineral development in cases where mineral operators have acquired the land bona fide in circumstances comparable with those covered by the Betterment Levy (Minerals) (No. 2) Regulations, 1967.
§ Mr. MacDermot:The Betterment Levy (Minerals) Regulations already give a 640W wide exemption from betterment levy where mineral operators start development of mineral resources. But I accept that there are some circumstances where, in equity, an exemption ought to be given which are not covered by the regulations. The hon. Member is aware of the two sets of circumstances which have been r brought to my notice which fall into this class. These are:—
In these two cases the Commission will not collect levy on the start of the mineral development. If further cases involving the start of mineral development where it is claimed that, in equity, levy should not be collected are brought to my notice I will consider them. Amending Regulations will be laid in due course.
- (1) where land was bought by a member of a group of companies before 22nd September, 1965 and subsequently transferred to another member of the group who is an established mineral operator who develops the land after 6th April 1967; and
- (2) where land was brought by a member of a group of companies and is transferred after 22nd September, 1965 to a mineral operating company which is a member of the group but which has been founded since September, 1965 as part of a scheme of reorganisation of the group.