§ 11. Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received alleging anomalies in rating valuation in Scotland compared with England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI have received representations about a variety of Scottish businesses, from a number of sources. I have consulted the Scottish Valuation Advisory Council and will consult the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities about possible remedies.
§ Mr. HendersonWill my hon. Friend give special attention to situations where the anomalies are particularly glaring, especially when there is competition north and south of the border? Does he recognise that there are anomalies in Scotland and that at the end of the day many of the problems stem from the different expenditure policies of local authorities?
§ Mr. StewartMy hon. Friend is absolutely right on both points. There is no doubt that many of the difficulties are caused by the unreasonable expenditure policies pursued by some Scottish authorities.
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Minister and his right hon. Friend will be well aware that one of the most glaring anomalies now in the rating system is the valuation of race courses. Given that a major crisis is affecting the Scottish racing industry, especially the race courses at Ayr and Hamilton Park, what action are the Government taking urgently to make sure that racing in Scotland survives this crisis?
§ Mr. StewartI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point. The advisory council has specifically considered race courses. We are urgently considering the council's recommendations on that matter, together with others, and we shall reach a decision as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MaclennanWill the hon. Gentleman consider the undesirability of rating croft houses that are let to tourists as commercial premises? Will he also consider urgently the possibility of derating peat banks?
§ Mr. StewartI shall look into both matters raised by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. CorrieIs my hon. Friend aware that the rateable value of a hotel bedroom in Scotland is about £400, whereas in England it is about £165? Is that not totally unfair and should not something urgently be done before we crucify the Scottish tourist industry?
§ Mr. StewartMy hon. Friend made that very point during Friday's debate on the Rating (Caravan Sites) (Scotland) (Amendment) Bill. That debate was completely ignored by the Opposition, which shows how much they really care about some of the anomalies.
§ Mr. Gordon WilsonI accept that anomalies exist inside the Scottish rating system, but does the Minister agree that rates are higher in Scotland because of the increased poundage forced on local authorities as a result of the Government's intention to reduce step by step the proportion of Scottish public expenditure?
§ Mr. StewartThe increased poundage is due to the excessive expenditure policies of many Scottish local authorities, but I accept that there is often a combination of valuation and poundage factors.