To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she intends to carry out a market test of the functions of the Rate Collection Agency. [40732]

The Government have decided to defer plans to market test the functions of the Rate Collection Agency until the next quinquennial review of the agency which is planned for 1999.This will allow time to assess the potential impact on the work of the agency of the current review of charging arrangements for water and sewerage services. Ratepayers currently contribute to the cost of these services through the Regional Rate.The Agency's Framework Document will be amended to reflect the position.