Local Government Finance

Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of people who have not so far paid the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.-----------------
|               |
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|Clwyd          |
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|Dyfed          |
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|Gwent          |
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|Gwynedd        |
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|Mid Glamorgan  |
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|Powys          |
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|South Glamorgan|
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|West Glamorgan |
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|Total counties |
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Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was current spending on (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Wales local education authorities for each of the years from 1980, inclusive and county by county.

Mr. David Hunt
I have made no such estimate. I have every confidence that the vast majority of Welsh charge payers are law-abiding and will pay their community charge.

Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average cost in Wales per person of collecting the poll tax.

Mr. David Hunt
The average cost in Wales per person of collecting the community charge will be about £7 in 1990–91 based on local authority budget returns.

Mr. Geraint Howells
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received seeking changes in the poll tax legislation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Hunt
I have received representations on a variety of matters. The Government are reviewing the operation of the community charge system. It is too early to say what changes might be made or whether legislation will be needed.