§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received regarding the introduction of a poll tax; and if he will indicate the percentage in favour of, and the percentage against, such a change.
§ Mr. HowardA summary of responses received by my Department before 31 October last, when the consultation 53period on the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd. 9714) ended, was placed in the Library on 15 December 1986. One thousand two hundred and seventeen responses were received. Though opinions varied, more than twice as many people wanted to abolish domestic rates as wanted to keep them. The community charge received considerably greater support than any other replacement for the rates. We continue to receive representation about specific aspects of our proposals as well as requests for further information.