§ Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to issue a guidance note to Scottish local authorities on the matter of joint and several liability as it relates to the poll tax in Scotland; and whether he has any plans to seek to amend the legislation to bring it into line with the situation in England and Wales as set out in practice note No. 16.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe statutory provisions which are relevant to joint and several liability in Scotland, contained in the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987, as amended, have broadly the same effect as those which will apply in England and Wales under the Local Government Finance Act 1988. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to issue a guidance note on this subject.
§ Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to grant to local authorities in Scotland the discretion allowed to local authorities in England and Wales of setting different levels of multiplier on different classes of properties where the standard community charge applies.
§ Mr. RifkindI am currently considering a number of aspects of the standard community charge arrangements.