§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking following the recent ruling of the Humberside valuation and community charge tribunal concerning the liability of merchant seamen to the community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeThe Humberside valuation and community charge tribunal found that the individual circumstances of some merchant seamen whose employment required them to be absent from home for substantial periods meant they should not be registered as liable for the community charge. It is not for my right. hon. Friend to comment on the decisions of an independent tribunal.