To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the timetable is for (a) local authorities to finalise their district rate for 2007-08, (b) finalising the level of the regional rate for 2007-08 and (c) the posting of domestic rates bills to local authorities; and on which day in April 2007 liability starts for the new domestic rates bills. (130557)

The information requested is as follows:

(a) The table of district rates for 2007-08 was published on 16 February 2007;

(b) The Rates (Regional Rates) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 was made on 29 January 2007;

(c) Rate bills are not posted to local authorities; and

(d) Rate liability for domestic property is effective from 1 April of each year.