HC Deb 24 February 1988 vol 128 c416 11.58 pm
Mr. John Home Robertson (East Lothian)

Now that the House has dealt with a measure designed by Scotland's minority Tory administration to force up rents in Scotland, I take this opportunity to present a petition signed by 417 residents of the burgh of Cockenzie and Port Seton calling for the repeal or the legislation that is set to impose a grossly unfair poll tax on the people of Scotland.

The legislation has been overwhelmingly rejected by the Scottish electorate and it is still not too late to avoid the injustice and the chaos of the poll tax. I strongly support this appeal for the repeal of this dangerous legislation.

I have another petition on the same subject which I have been asked to submit. It is signed by 80 members of the Edinburgh 7/131 branch of the Transport and General Workers Union, which includes some of my constituents. The petition warns that the poll tax would discriminate against poor people in Scotland and favour more prosperous areas, so it would be likely to do great damage to the social fabric of our nation.

Once again, I join the petitioners in urging the House to reject this damaging legislation.

To lie upon the Table.