asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why caravans which legally cannot be used as residential homes are rated at the full domestic rate.

Because if rateably occupied they are liable to the rate, and any disabilities attaching to them are reflected in the rateable value.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement as to his Department's policy on the rating as domestic properties of holiday caravans.

The policy of my Department is to allow this matter to be determined in accordance with the general law on valuation for rating embodied in the General Rate Act 1967, subject to the interpretation of the courts.