HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc388-9
10. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now give a firm date when he will be putting before the House a Green Paper for the discussion of possible new forms of revenue for local authorities.

Mr. Peter Walker

The Government will publish later this year a Green Paper discussing, among other things, the possibility of new forms of revenue for local authorities. I cannot yet give a firm date, but I hope it will be within the next two or three months.

Mr. Iremonger

Can the Minister yet give a firm assurance that he realises that the present rating system must go?

Mr. Walker

The Green Paper will certainly examine the present system and the revisions that may be necessary. It will also put forward alternatives for local government revenue.

Mr. Loughlin

Would the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that if the rating system must go, he will not introduce, or give local authorities power to introduce, a local sales tax?

Mr. Walker

The object of my Green Paper will be to outline all the various alternative forms of financing local authorities, giving both their advantages and their disadvantages. I will then hope to have a dialogue with local authority associations and others to decide the best future for local government finance.

Mr. Lipton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.