Mr. GIDEON MURRAY:

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Report of the Departmental Committee on local taxation in Scotland as to what steps he proposes to take to bring it into force and to what extent?

I regret that, as I am still in communication with the various Departments concerned regarding the matters dealt with in the Report of the Committee, my anticipation that I might be in a position to make a statement on the subject before the Recess has not been realised.

Mr. MURRAY:

Can my right hon. Friend say when he proposes to snake a statement to the House? Can he not give a definite date? Does he not know that the whole of Scotland waiting for the statement?

I am well aware of the importance and also of the complexity of the question. I am sure my hon. Friend will agree with me that ill-considered legislation on this matter would be worse than none at all.