§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce further concessions to the community charge legislation to allow local authorities to waive payment where there is clear evidence of poverty.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe collection of the community charge is the responsibility of local authorities. The community charge benefit scheme is available to assist people on low incomes with their community charge payments. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to make changes to the present collection arrangements.