Written question asked by Allan Stewart (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 March 1997. It was answered by George Kynoch (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 March 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: What is his latest assessment of the economic consequences of his policy towards non-domestic rates in Scotland. - Includes figures. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest assessment of the economic consequences of his policy towards non-domestic rates in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [17340] Mr. Kynoch: Ratepayers have saved more than £1.4 billion in the past 5 years. If the Government had not harmonised rating, next year's bills would be at least double their current levels. We are further freezing the business rates for all small businesses in 1997-98; direct support in that year alone will total over £170 million. The success of the policy is clear. In the last decade the number of companies registered in Scotland has increased by almost 14,000. Business births in Scotland continue to exceed business deaths. This is good news for Scottish business.

Secondary information