§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what studies has he undertaken in Scotland to gauge the effect and influence of Government actions on the market in Scottish commercial property ;
(2) what discussions or representations he has had in Scotland with appropriate persons or organisations concerning the likely effects of the Government's land policy on commercial property development; if he will give any estimates; and what steps he intends to take to investigate this situation.
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§ Mr. William RossI am studying the possible Scottish implications of the recent report by Sir Denis Pilcher on commercial property development. My Department keeps in close touch with movements in the commercial property market in Scotland, as local authorities and developers assess the likely effects of the development land tax and begin to work within the framework of the Community Land Act. Meanwhile, it would be premature to make any estimates of likely developments.