asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what decisions he has reached on the minimum percentage contribution to be made by those on low incomes to (a) rates and (b) the proposed poll tax.

My noble Friend Lord Glenarthur has made it clear, in another place, that we remain committed to the principle of everyone making a minimum contribution to the cost of local services and that we intend to take into account the impact of this on the most vulnerable groups when setting income support levels this autumn. We hope to make an announcement shortly.