§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the affects of the proposed community charge on farming families in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThe few representations I have received relate to ability to pay the community charge and the effect of a change in the use of buildings and land from agriculture which may make them subject to business rates. Farmers and other adults in their families, unless they are exempt, will like other adults be liable for the community charge and may be eligible for community charge benefits. If agricultural buildings and land are used for any other non-domestic purpose they will become liable for business rates under the new system, as they would under the present one. As with all non-domestic hereditaments, there will be transitional arrangements for occupiers who would otherwise face large rate increases.