§ 26. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact on small businesses of the flat rate levy to fund the new Food Standards Agency. [84153]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe possible impact of the levy has been discussed with representatives from small business organisations at a series of consultation seminars across Scotland. We have also received a large number of responses to the public consultation on the charging proposals. We are considering these responses—including suggestions for alternative proposals—before deciding how to proceed.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.