§ Sir John Rodgersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the slow process through the Courts of Appeal against rate assessments; and if he will take steps to speed up the present situation, which is particularly bad in the City of Westminster district.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesAppeals against rating assessments, if not otherwise settled, proceed to local valuation courts and above in accordance with statutory time limits. The listing of the cases for hearing is a matter for the clerks to the courts, but they are dealt with as quickly as possible. Where there are a substantial number of appeals there will inevitably be some delay but every effort is being made to dispose of these appeals quickly. Steps have already been taken to deal with the situation in central London.