§ 31. Mr. David Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to exempt war pensions as assessable income for the purposes of the rate rebate scheme.
§ Mr. Graham PageThis point is being considered in the current review of local government finance on which we hope to publish a Green Paper before the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. StoddartWhilst appreciating that answer, could I remind the hon. Gentleman that it will be 1974 at the earliest before any reform of local government finance can come into operation? In view of the commitments which were given by his party when the Rating Bill was being discussed, would he not now introduce legislation to ensure that war pensioners get the benefits between now and 1974?
§ Mr. PageNo. I think it would be right to consider the reform of rating as a whole rather than make piecemeal reforms. When we have had public discussion on the Green Paper, of course we will think about it again.