asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of appeals by ratepayers in England to local valuation courts for reductions of their rating assessments, during the years 1975, 1976 and 1977, respectively, were successful.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he is considering for improvement in the present system of appeal against rating assessments in England by enabling aggrieved ratepayers to have speedier and cheaper access to the Lands Tribunal, wherever possible by way of written submissions, and, if necessary, abolishing local valuation courts.

We have no reason to believe that the present system of appeals against rating assessments needs improvement and we have no plans to abolish local valuation courts in England. On appeal from the local valuation courts, aggrieved ratepayers already have speedy and cheap access to the Lands Tribunal which is empowered to hear cases based on written submissions.