Rates

Part of Orders of the Day — Supply – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 June 1974.

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Photo of Mr Teddy Taylor Mr Teddy Taylor , Glasgow Cathcart 12:00, 27 June 1974

This has been an interesting and at times passionate debate with certain outstanding features. First, there was an excellent maiden speech from my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Waver-tree (Mr. Steen), who spoke of the amount of local government service to the community and participation of individuals in decision making. It was a remarkable debate because my right hon. Friend the Member for Crosby (Mr. Page) did not participate, as he usually does in local government debates. It was a shame that Labour Members took exception to his absence. I am sure they will be fully aware that throughout the day and this evening my right hon. Friend has been in the Finance Bill Standing Committee putting forward important amendments about local government finance. If there is one Member of this House who does not deserve to be criticised for being absent from the debate it is my right hon. Friend.

It has been an astonishing debate because we heard from the Secretary of State the most astonishing, complacent and insensitive speech. He gave the impression that he did not appreciate the urgency or seriousness of the problem, and the only real meat we had from him was that there would be an inquiry and that rates would go up by about 30 per cent. this year overall. That figure surprised me, because it seemed to conflict directly with a parliamentary answer that I received from him two days ago. However, he has courteously explained to me that the figures appear to be wrong. The other point that made the debate special is that not one Scottish Member has taken part from any of the parties in the House. That might give the impression that the problem of rate increases is an English one, and that is certainly far from the case, although the situation in Scotland is somewhat different.

We have not yet had local government reform in Scotland. That does not come until 1975, but the problems this has caused in England are creating concern for what might happen in Scotland. There was industrial derating in Scotland to the extent of 50 per cent., and, although that appears to be a generous concession, the indications are that industries in Scotland will pay at least as much in rates as industries in England.