§ Lord Carterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have fulfilled their commitment made in the House of Commons during the Report stage of the Local Government Bill to make available a note on their broad policy intent with regard to Clause 71 of the Bill on the local retention of business rates. [HL3145]
§ Lord Rooker:I can confirm that a note on the policy intent with regard to Clause 71 of the Local Government Bill was available in the Libraries of the House from 29 May 2003 in advance of Committee consideration of the Bill in another place. Copies were also sent to Baroness Hanham and Baroness Hamwee. In addition, copies of the revised draft regulations for Part of the Bill and the first draft of the regulations with regard to the 2004 local government elections provisions of the Bill, together with the draft guidance for the new charging provisions currently out to consultation.