To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the numbers paying the poll tax in Scotland since 1 April.

The information requested is not held centrally. Most levying authorities, however, expect 90 per cent. or more of the total community charge due in 1989–90 to be paid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he is next going to meet the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss poll tax arrears.

I offered to meet the convention at an early date to discuss community charge collection issues following a recent request from its president, and as part of the normal consultation on local government finance matters, my right hon. and learned Friend and I will be meeting the convention on 26 November.