§ Mr. MaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he envisages that his planned local tax will require a transfer of staff from local authority assessors departments to the district valuer's office.
§ Mr. Allan StewartConsultations are continuing on the arrangements for valuing properties for the council tax and a final decision has still to be taken.
§ Mr. MaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he envisages that the new local tax will necessitate a new valuation roll, itemising each property as the charging basis.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThere will be a need for some form of record. The nature of this will be a matter for consultation.
§ Mr. Gordon BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost of (i) producing and (ii) distributing the Scottish Office booklet "You and the Community Charge—A Step by Step Guide".
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe cost of preparing, printing and distributing this booklet was £246,367, comprising production costs of £159,800, distribution costs of £70,567 and the agent's management fee of £16,000.