§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on the liability of onshore wind turbines for non-domestic rates. [109828]
§ Mr. LeslieThe policy of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is that the turbines should be liable for rates in the same way as the generality of non-domestic property.
The rateable values of the turbines are currently calculated by rules prescribed by the Secretary of State in the Electricity Supply Industry (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister aims to end in 2005 the prescribed rating of turbines. Rateable values would then be set in the same way as they are currently set for most properties, that is by valuation officers not by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.