§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange to collate centrally information on the processing of the community charge in relation to the proper completion of inquiry and registration forms and on the imposition of penalties for improper completion and for other offences.
§ Mr. LangMy officials maintain regular contact with community charge registration officers to discuss general progress in compiling the community charge registers. I do not consider that a formal system for the central collection of data is practicable or necessary.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give any advice or assistance to employers about payment of the community charge by employees in tied housing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe liability of people living in tied houses to pay community charges is no different from the liability of most other members of the community. I therefore have no plans to issue special guidance. Employers who provide tied housing will need to negotiate with their employees any changes in the conditions of employment under which such houses are provided, which may be required to take account of the effects of the abolition of domestic rates and the introduction of the community charge arrangements.