asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning in how many cases the assessed development charge has actually been paid; in how many cases the charge has not been paid, but has been merely set off against the right to receive payment out of the £300,000,000 fund; and if he will state, together with the sums involved, how many of such latter cases belong respectively to single plot owners and how many to owners of near ripe land.

Up to the end of April, 1949, development charge amounting to £715,000 had been paid in respect of 7,259 cases. In addition £731,000 in respect of 3,844 cases—all single plot cases—had been set off against claims up to 31st March, 1949—the latest date for which figures are available.

Is my hon. Friend aware that if his Department or the Central Land Board go on at this rate, it will take them something like 300 years to collect the £300 million to be paid out in 1952?

We shall not go on at this rate.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of my Socialist opponents are getting angry with his Department because of these iniquitous charges?