HC Deb 12 December 1990 vol 182 cc432-3W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many suggestions he has received concerning alternatives to the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Allan Stewart

My right hon. Friend regularly receives correspondence proposing improvements to the community charge and possible alternatives to it. These views will be taken into account during the Government's review of the community charge.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many merchant seamen have been granted exemption from poll tax obligations by way of decisions taken by(a) community charge registration officers and (b) sheriffs upon appeals made by merchant seamen against decisions made by community charge registration officers.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Information on decisions as to where individuals are solely or mainly resident is not held centrally.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the progress of his latest review of the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Allan Stewart

The Government have made it clear that the review is to be conducted on a Great Britain basis and will involve the Secretaries of State for the Environment, for Scotland and for Wales. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will of course, be paying particular attention to Scottish aspects of the review.