§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have for the payment of contributions in lieu of rates on property occupied by the Crown; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaplesMy right hon. Friend the former Prime Minister announced on 15 December 1989 at column834 that responsibility for the valuation of the Government's estates for rating purposes would be transferred to the Inland Revenue valuation office from April 1991. The Government have since decided that, for reasons of efficiency and economy, the other responsibilities of the Rating of Government Property Department should also 472W be transferred to the valuation office. The valuation office is, in consequence, responsible for the payment of contributions in lieu of rates on Government property and recovery from occupying Departments. It is also responsible for payment of rates and diplomatic property as well as for recovery of a portion of the community charge and rates from foreign missions and international organisations.