29. Miss LEEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that local rating based on rentals is causing hardship in Scotland; and if he will consider introducing legislation with a view to removing the incidence of rating from rents and placing it on some form of local Income Tax?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe question of an alternative to the present system of rating in Scotland has not escaped the attention of my right hon. Friend, but he is not at present in a position to give any undertaking as to legislation.
Miss LEEIn view of the fact that this matter is causing great concern to a large section of the Scottish public, will the Under-Secretary give it his immediate attention, and give some hope of an improved rating system for Scotland, especially for parents with large families?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe Secretary of State for Scotland has already considered this question, and he is not at the moment in a position to promise legislation on this subject.
Miss LEEIf I may press this matter a little further, will the Under-Secretary consider the fact that at the moment housing schemes are being held up because the policy being carried out is unduly hard, and I want to press upon the hon. Member the urgency of this matter?
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the question of removing the incidence of rating from rents being considered?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONYes, Sir. That point has also been considered.