§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide the terms of reference given to the interdepartmental group of the Board of Inland Revenue and the Scottish Session which is examining differences between English and Scottish assessors' valuation practice for rating purposes; when this group was set up; how many members it has; and when he expects it to report.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 29 February 1988]: A steering committee on harmonising rating valuation practice in England and Wales and Scotland was set up in 1986. It comprises the executive of the Scottish Assessors' Association and an official from Inland Revenue valuation office. In addition, there are four working groups on individual aspects of harmonisation. There are no formal terms of reference and the exercise will 630W not lead to a formal report or document for publication. However, it is hoped that the groups' observations will lead to proposals to reduce differences in valuation practice during and after 1990.