§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will institute an inquiry into the practice of local authorities in following up cases of non-payment of rates and, in particular, where resort is had to legal action, in the light of evidence of maladministration sent to 705W him by the hon. Member for Liverpool. Wavertree.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettNo. The collection of rates is a matter for rating authorities. I have no evidence of any general problems about their practice in following up cases of non-payment. I am writing to the hon. Member about the particular case he has referred to me.