§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration his Department is giving in respect of the council tax valuation category for internal drainage boards in respect of intensive livestock units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackI have been asked to reply.
Following representations from the National Farmers Union and the British Poultry Federation, the Ministry issued a consultation paper on 15 October seeking views from a range of interested parties on proposals to abate the drainage rates payable by certain intensive livestock and glasshouse enterprises. Responses were requested by 554W 22 November and a decision as to whether to proceed with the proposals will be made shortly in the light of those responses.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration his Department is giving in respect of the council tax valuation category for internal drainage boards to changing intensive livestock units from paying the internal drainage boards' valuation rate to a business rate; and if he will make a statement.