§ 43. Mr. Peter Archerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to publish a Green Paper on Local Government finance.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mr. Cormack) on 27th October.
§ Mr. ArcherThe Secretary of State insists on replying to Questions by reference. Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether, in view of his newfound attachment to the principle of imposing burdens according to ability to pay, we shall be given an opportunity of discussing the future of the rating system, which imposes the heaviest burdens on the largest families?
§ Mr. WalkerI apologise for replying by reference in that way. I agree that normally it should be avoided. However, it was common practice previously.
I am hoping to publish a Green Paper early next year, and there will be an opportunity to discuss the whole of the rating system.