§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from parents of those serving in Her Majesty's forces abroad who have been informed that they will have to pay the poll tax while serving abroad; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend has received only a few such representations. The question of whether service personnel serving abroad are liable to pay the personal community charge will depend on whether they are regarded as having their main residence in Scotland. This is a matter for community charges registration officers to decide in the light of the facts and circumstances relating to individual cases.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many members of Her Majesty's forces, living and working abroad, have been registered for payment of the community charge in Scotland.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe registration of people for the personal community charge is a matter for community charges registration officers and the information requested is not held centrally.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from members of Her Majesty's forces serving abroad complaining about the community charge levied on them.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. and learned Friend has received very few such representations.