HC Deb 25 May 1988 vol 134 cc184-5W
25. Mr. Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the clergy over the impact of the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has received 81 representations from the clergy and church organisations since the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Bill was enacted in May last year. These representations covered a range of issues related to the introduction of the community charge including the effects of rating reform on church buildings, and the effects of the community charge on members of religious communities and on ministers of religion and their families.

27. Mr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library copies of all written guidance he has issued to community charge registration officers.

Mr. Lang

The procedural requirements for the community charge registration system are fully set out in the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 and the regulations which have been made under it. Copies of the departmental circulars drawing the attention of local authorities to the Act and the regulations have been placed in the Library.

29. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the latest numbers registering for exemption from the poll tax on the basis of returns to community charge registration officers.

Mr. Lang

This information is not available centrally.

30. Sir Russell Johnston

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to what level of community charge registration has been reached in the Highland region.

Mr. Lang

Detailed information on the progress of community charge registration is not available centrally.

41. Mr. Galloway

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many letters concerning poll tax registration his Department has received from members of the public since 1 April.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has received 144 such letters since 1 April.

48. Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have taken place between his Department and community charge registration officials concerning the process of registration for poll tax purposes since I April.

51. Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had any communications with poll tax registration officers to ascertain what progress is being made in the registration process.

Mr. Lang

There have been no formal discussions. Informal contacts with registration officers indicate that the registration process is going smoothly.