§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to permit the contracting out of local tax collection, including the exercise of discretion in granting discounts and initiating prosecutions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI have issued a consultation paper setting out my intentions, subject to the passage of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill. This was sent to interested parties and placed in the Library on 25 March.