§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from parish councils following the introduction of the community charge about the loss of business rate and the exemption of overseas service personnel from the community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chope[holding answer 4 May 1990]: My right hon. Friend has received many representations from parish councils about the treatment of business rates under the new system. He has received a few about the exemption from liability to pay the community charge of overseas service personnel.