To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will inform local authorities about the introduction of the method of compensating applicants who did not qualify for poll tax rebate in the year 1989–90 because they had capital between £8,000 and £16,000; and if he will make a statement.

Detailed draft proposals were sent to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities for comment on 14 June. I hope to receive the convention's response shortly so that regulations can be laid before the House.