§ 17. Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take immediate steps in order to exempt from poll tax payments(a) students, (b) the disabled and (c) pensioners.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to change the present community charge arrangements for these groups.
§ 19. Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the Scottish population, eligible for payment of the community charge, has paid in 1989–90.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information reguested is not held centrally but we understand that in most regions 85 per cent. to 95 per cent. of those eligible for the community charge have made some payment, with a figure of 98 per cent. in one area.
§ 28. Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to review the operation of the poll tax.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe operation of the community charge arrangements is kept constantly under review and my right hon. and learned Friend will bring forward changes in these as and when he considers appropriate.
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§ 29. Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of collectable community charge remains unpaid at the latest available date; and what proportion of collectable rate was unpaid at the last year of the rating system in the equivalent date.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information requested is not held centrally.