HC Deb 08 July 1985 vol 82 cc354-5W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the policy of the Department of the Environment rating division with regard to cases where summonses for the non-payment of rates have been issued wrongly; and whether those summoned have to pay the cost of the summons;

(2) how many summonses for the non-payment of rates have been issued in Northern Ireland by the rating division of the Department of the Environment in each of the last four years;

(3) how many summonses issued in Northern Ireland for the non-payment of rates by the Department of the Environment rating division in each of the last five years were subsequently withdrawn; and what were the principal reasons for these withdrawals.

Mr. Chris Patten

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies I gave on 15 May 1985 at column148.