§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish a report giving his latest assessment of the effect of a revaluation of non-domestic property, showing separately the effects on a regional basis and by type of property.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd 9714), paragraph D15–23, indicated the expected broad effects of revaluation. Since then, several leading firms of surveyors have published more detailed forecasts which generally confirm those contained in the Green Paper.
§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from (a) the Confederation of British Industry and (b) the Institute of Directors on his proposals for a national non-domestic rate.
§ Mr. RidleyThe CBI response to the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" supported the Government's proposals in broad terms, subject to certain conditions. It has since expressed strong support for the Government's manifesto commitments, while making it clear that they have views about how those commitments should be achieved. Exchanges of view are continuing.
The IOD in its response to the Green Paper welcomed the community charge, but opposed the proposals for a national non-domestic rate, although noting that
By strength of feeling, however, there was probably a majority in favour of a uniform business rate because members in a minority of areas saw the proposal as literally their last hope.