§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make a statement on the Government's policy on rates.
§ Mr. CroslandI announced on 27th June that the Government were setting up an independent inquiry into local government finance in England, Wales and Scotland, to report by the end of 1975 at the latest. The Government have a completely open mind about possible changes to, or replacements for, the rating system. As an interim measure my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced immediate Government relief for domestic ratepayers whose rates have risen more than 20 per cent. this financial year.