Oral Answers to Questions — Rating of Site Values (Committee)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 4 Rhagfyr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Eric Fletcher Sir Eric Fletcher , Islington East 12:00, 4 Rhagfyr 1947

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to announce the terms of reference to the proposed Committee on the Rating of Site Values and its constitution.

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

Yes, Sir. The Secretary of State for Scotland and I have appointed a Committee consisting of: Mr. Erskine Simes (Chairman), Sir William Darling, Mr. J. D. Trustram Eve, Mrs. Ursula K. Hicks, Mr. C. H. Lockhart, Mr. James McBoyle, Mr. T. A. O'Hare, Mr. R. R. Stokes, Mr. C. H. Walker, and Mr. T. Waterhouse.

The terms of reference are: To consider and report on the practicability and desirability of meeting part of local expenditure by an additional rate on site values, having regard to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts and other factors.

Photo of Sir Eric Fletcher Sir Eric Fletcher , Islington East

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the setting up of this Committee will be welcomed by all the progressive local authorities Who have been pressing for some progress in this matter for a long time.

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

I am delighted that with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland I have had the opportunity of setting up this most interesting committee and I shall look forward both to the proceedings of the Committee and to the Report.

Photo of Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite , Holderness

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the two gentlemen referred to by him as Members of the Committee, Sir William Darling and Mr. Stokes, are identical with two hon. Members of this House, and, if so, should they not be referred to by their constituencies?

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

I think that that is the perfectly proper thing to do. It should have been done, and I am sorry.

Photo of Mr David Jones Mr David Jones , Hartlepools, The

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the two appointments he has mentioned will be regarded as "jobs for the boys"?

Photo of Mr Emrys Hughes Mr Emrys Hughes , South Ayrshire

As the ex-Lord Provost of Edinburgh has been appointed to this Committee, what representative of the other section of opinion in Scotland has been appointed to counter-balance that appointment?

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

Among others, the City Treasurer of Glasgow.