§ Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can estimate the extra cost of collecting rates in respect of individual caravans rather than of caravan sites.
§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress in providing sites and the granting of orders under the Caravan Sites Act 1968.
§ Mr. John SilkinBy the end of 1974, 110 sites had been provided by local authorities in England, offering accommodation for 1,635 gipsy caravans. 78 of these sites were permanent and 32 temporary. In Wales, seven sites—93 pitches—had been provided, of which two were temporary.
To date 24 orders have been made under Section 12 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968, designating the areas of 14 London boroughs and 10 former county boroughs, all in England. Although county boroughs ceased to exist with the reorganisation of local government on 1st 334W April 1974 the orders remain in force in respect of the area of those former authorities.
§ Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what grounds district valuation officers have been instructed to value individual holiday caravans.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI have been asked to reply.
Recent changes in the basis of valuation of caravans for rating have been made in the light of decisions by the courts. Valuation officers have been asked to ensure that these decisions are implemented by continuing a review of all caravan sites so that a consistent basis is applied throughout the country.