To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the average length of time he expects those council tax banding appeals which have been received to date to take (a) to be considered by valuation offices and (b) to be determined by valuation appeal tribunals if referred to such a tribunal;(2) how many of the council tax banding appeals so far received he expects to be determined by the end of

The length of time taken by listing officers and valuation tribunals to clear appeals will depend on the number ultimately received and the complexity of the appeal caseload. In the light of information about proposals received to date, targets for the clearance of appeals are being discussed with the Valuation Office Agency and valuation tribunals and will be announced in due course.