HC Deb 09 November 1988 vol 140 cc231-2W
48. Mr. Ernie Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to ensure that the statutory rights available to public sector tenants in Scotland will also be made available to private sector Scottish tenants.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

My right hon. and learned Friend has always accepted that the rights of

business rate in Scotland is contingent on the full harmonisation of valuation practices in England and Wales and Scotland.

Mr. Lang

Our purpose is to achieve, at the earliest opportunity, fairness for Scottish business ratepayers and protection from the depredations of high-spending local councils. We have made it clear we see advantage in moving to a common non-domestic poundage in all areas but recognise that this first requires harmonisation of valuation practice north and south of the border in order to avoid perpetuating many of the anomalies about which Scottish businessmen are understandably concerned.