§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now make a statement on the progress of his talks with the National Farmers Union on the rating of agricultural buildings.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonFollowing the meeting with representatives of the National Farmers' Unions earlier this year, I have been considering the matter with the other Ministers concerned. After a thorough examination of all the issues involved, we have come to the conclusion that the matters which were brought to our attention do not warrant any change in the present position of agricultural buildings under rating law in England and Wales in advance of the general review of local government finance which the Government are carrying out following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Local Government. The whole question of the incidence of local taxation and of anomalies which may exist will be included in that review. The position in Scotland is a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland and I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given today by my right hon. Friend in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Mr. Mackintosh).