To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) revenues it received from non-domestic rates in each of the years from 1996-97 to 2000-01 and (b) forecasts it has made of the revenues from such rates in each of the years (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04.

The amounts of non-domestic rates collected by councils on behalf of the Scottish Executive for the years 1996-97 to 2000-01 are shown in the following table:

Note:

1. Figures for 2000-01 are estimates based on latest information available.

The assumptions about yield that have been used to forecast revenue from non-domestic rates for each of the years 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 are £1,569 million, £1,577 million and £1,595 million respectively, as published in the Annual Expenditure Report 2001 – The Scottish Budget.