HC Deb 06 May 1969 vol 783 cc46-7W
33. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in the drafting of the Finance Bill, he will arrange for the modifications in betterment levy set out in Command Paper No. 4001 to be back-dated to 6th April, 1967.

Mr. K. Robinson

I would refer the hon. Member to what I said in the debate on betterment levy on 28th April.

46. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in the drafting of the Finance Bill, he will take into account the high land values in Greater London and the South-East and make appropriate adjustments in the betterment levy exemption limit.

Mr. K. Robinson

No.

52. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in forthcoming legislation, he will provide for the exemption of mineral deposits from the operation of the betterment levy.

Mr. K. Robinson

No; the working of minerals receives favourable treatment under the Mineral Regulations and my right hon. Friend will shortly lay a further set of Regulations aimed at removing difficulties over the grant of mining leases.

61. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the cost of repayment of betterment levies already made and of the legal fees incurred by individuals in circumstances in which the new terms of the Government's policy would exempt the development from betterment levy.

Mr. K. Robinson

If all the changes announced in Command Paper No. 4001 had been made retrospective the amount of levy to be repaid, or not collected, would be of the order of £3½-£4 million. The other figure requested is not available.