asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ask local valuation officers to give consideration to the escalating cost of houses when they consider compensation for owner-occupiers in redevelopment areas.

The district valuer's assessment of compensation for compulsory acquisitions is based on the open market value of the property at, normally, the date when agreement is reached on the amount or the acquiring authority enters on to the property. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will write to me.