§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he has set up any committees to study the phasing out of the domestic rate; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will announce a date for the abolition of the domestic rate;
(3) if he will list the steps which he has taken since 3 May to implement the Government's pledge to abolish the domestic rate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce the outcome of his considerations into alternatives to the rating system.
§ Mr. KingOn 22 June, in view of the Government's longer-term aim of abolishing domestic rates, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the cancellation of the rating revaluation.—[Vol. 968, c. 707.] We are now reviewing alternatives to domestic rates but it would certainly be premature to lay down a timetable for the abolition of domestic rates since, as we made clear in the manifesto, reduction of income tax must be a higher priority for the time being.