§ 58. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now introduce legislation providing that pensions and allowances under the War Pensions Scheme shall be disregarded in calculating incomes for the purpose of rate rebates.
§ Mr. Graham PageThis point will be considered in the current review of local government finance, which includes an examination of the rating system. In the meantime I do not think it would be advisable to make further changes in the rate rebate system.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes my right hon. Friend recall that the Conservative Party in opposition voted for this proposal, that clear commitments to do this were given officially on behalf of the party in opposition and that many of us find it difficult to accept that it will merely be considered?
§ Mr. PageI appreciate what my right hon. Friend has said. In fact, I joined him in what he has described. This is receiving serious consideration in the review.