§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from local authorities and other bodies over the 1985 revaluation.
§ Mr. AncramThe likely effects of the 1985 revaluation have been discussed at ministerial and official meetings with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. In the light of these discussions and of estimates provided by assessors of the likely effect of the changes on different classes of property, my right hon. Friend decided earlier this month to increase fivefold the domestic rate relief element in the rate support grant, to give local authorities an additional £19 million in grant for 1985–86, and to reduce the level of industrial derating from 1985–86 onwards from 50 per cent. to 40 per cent. Questions about the valuation and rating of individual properties are not for my right hon. Friend but the general public and hon. Members continue to demonstrate in correspondence with him a significant level of interest in the various aspects of the revaluation.