HC Deb 22 May 1990 vol 173 cc108-9W
Sir Trevor Skeet

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what would be the cost of permitting married women who do not undertake employment, and have no investment income, to pay only 20 per cent. of the community charge.

Mr. Michael Portillo

[holding answer 21 May 1990]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Chope), yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Martin).

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to bring forward his alternative proposals for the operation of the poll tax.

Mr. Chope

We are looking to see whether any improvements could be made to the operation of the community charge. If and when any such improvements are identified they will be announced at the appropriate time.