§ 2.46 p.m.
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Gray of Contin I beg to move that the draft Docks and Harbours (Rateable Values) (Scotland) Order 1985, which was laid before this House on 18th March this year, be approved.
As the order is mainly technical, I shall be brief, but I shall be happy to answer any detailed points that may be raised. The present order provides no substantive innovation and only amends the 1979 formula to take account of the effects of the general revaluation which has taken place in Scotland this year. This has been done in a way that ensures that except for the effect of the changed trading circumstances at any particular harbour, harbour undertaking rateable values will rise at the revaluation in line with the average for other subjects and hence in real terms the status quo is maintained. Given this, the provisions of the present draft order have been broadly accepted by the parties directly concerned and I trust they are equally acceptable to this House. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 18th March be approved. [16th Report from the Joint Committee.]—(The Earl of Caithness.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.