HC Deb 18 July 1988 vol 137 c498W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations underlie his policy for Scotland to have a uniform business rate with the rest of Great Britain.

Mr. Lang

The objectives of the reform of business rates are the protection of businesses from undue impositions by local authorities and a fairer basis of valuation.

Mr. Tony Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what Scottish legislation will be necessary to introduce a uniform business rate throughout Great Britain; and when such legislation will be introduced.

Mr. Lang

Legislation for such a purpose could not apply to Scotland alone. It is too soon to say what legislation applying throughout Great Britain would be needed.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what gains there will be for Scottish business and industry from a uniform business rate throughout Great Britain.

Mr. Lang

The effects of such a rate on Scottish business would depend on the level at which it was set, which cannot be estimated at present for the reasons I gave in my reply to the hon. Member on 19 May at column515.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he plans to meet representatives of Scottish business and industry to discuss progress towards a uniform business rate in Great Britain.

Mr. Lang

There are no plans to do so at present.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), Confederation of British Industry (Scotland) and chambers of commerce about a uniform business rate in England and Wales and Scotland.

Mr. Lang

Representations have been received from these bodies supporting a uniform business rate at Great Britain level.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what time limits for agreement have been imposed on the valuation experts of the Inland Revenue and representatives of the Scottish assessors in their discussions seeking harmonisation of valuation practice in Scotland and England and Wales prior to the introduction of a uniform business rate in the three nations.

Mr. Lang

I understand that these discussions are making significant progress and that it is hoped to reach agreements on some key areas in time for these to take effect at the 1990 revaluations. There is, however, no question of my right hon. and learned Friend seeking to impose particular time limits.