HC Deb 16 December 1997 vol 303 c156W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the Exchequer of the avoidance of the payment of business rates on outdoor advertising sites; and if he will make a statement. [20715]

Mr. Raynsford

The Department has no information on which to make such an estimate. All property liable for non-domestic rates is to be entered on rating lists, the maintenance of which is the statutory duty of the Valuation Office.