HL Deb 22 July 1994 vol 557 cc512-4

1.36 p.m.

Lord Lucas rose to move, That the draft orders laid before the House on 14th June be approved [21st Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Lord said: My Lords, I beg to move that the 14 orders standing in my name on the Order Paper be approved en bloc. These orders relate to the rateable values of certain utilities and companies connected with them. They prescribe the rateable values or the rules to be used in determining rateable values for 1994–95. The approach used in their preparation follows the pattern determined at the time of the last revaluation in 1990. The orders have been the subject of consultation with the ratepayers concerned and with representative organisations, such as the Scottish Assessors' Association and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. No objections to the detailed content of the orders have been received.

Later this year, new orders will be laid before the House based on a new revaluation and will apply for five years beginning 1995–96 to those enterprises remaining in formula valuation. I believe that the 14 orders represent fair and reasonable proposals. I commend them to the House. I beg to move.

Moved, That the draft orders laid before the House on 14th June be approved [21st Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord Lucas.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at twenty-three minutes before two o'clock.