HC Deb 05 February 1987 vol 109 cc772-3W
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish his White Paper on the revaluation of commercial and industrial premises in England; and when he expects the actual revaluation to take place.

Mr. Chope

My right hon. Friend intends to lay shortly the orders necessary for a revaluation of non-domestic property in England and Wales to take effect from 1 April 1990. The principal order will require the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out the principles behind the continued rating valuation differences between flats and houses.

Dr. Boyson

There is no statutory distinction between houses and flats for rating purposes. Both are assessed on the basis of the annual rent which they would have commanded on the open market in 1973: the date of the last revaluation.