SOVIET TRADE DELEGATION RATES (Hansard, 12 April 1983)

§ Lord Belstead

In negotiations between British and Soviet delegations held recently in London and Moscow, arrangements were worked out on the question of the rating of the building of the Trade Delegation of the USSR in London at 33 Highgate West Hill. The arrangements provide a mutually satisfactory settlement of this question for the period from 1969 to the present and also for the current rating year. They are without prejudice to legal positions. They provide for a Soviet contribution which corresponds to 60 per cent. of the rates. This has been paid by the Soviet Embassy to the British Government. The British Government have made it up to 100 per cent. and transmitted the whole sum to Camden Council. In addition there are certain flats to which the usual arrangements as regards rating relief will apply, on the basis that they are occupied by persons personally enjoying diplomatic privileges. These arrangements as a whole apply to the arrears and also to the rating year from 1st April 1983 to 31st March 1984. As regards matters concerning the rating of the above mentioned building in subsequent years, these will be further discussed with a view to reaching a settlement during the current rating year.