Plant and Machinery (Rating)

HC Deb 27 January 1989 vol 145 cc795-6W

Mr. Forman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he intends to use powers under the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to prescribe what items of plant and machinery should be rated; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

For the 1990 revaluation we propose to re-enact the provisions contained in the Plant and Machinery (Rating) Order 1960 (SI 1960 No. 122). as amended, together with the relevant provisions contained in the General Rate Act 1967. My right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales, and I recognise that in the longer term there is a need to consider ways of securing a fuller harmonisation of the valuation treatment of plant and machinery in the different parts of Great Britain. Consideration will also be given to the need to review the provisions of the 1960 order more generally.