§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the anticipated time period for settling an appeal on new commercial rateable values to be completed by the valuation and community charge tribunal for(a) the York area and (b) England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chope[holding answer 4 May 1990]: The length of time will depend on when the proposal to alter the rating list is lodged, whether the ratepayer is able to reach agreement with the valuation officer without recourse to the valuation and community charge tribunal, and, if he is not, on how complex the matter is and on the volume of appeals in the area concerned.