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Fraud Bill [Lords]

At the risk of straying mildly but not too far away from this issue, if the City of London was allowed to raise and keep its own rate precept of both business and domestic rates entirely to itself, so that none of it was sent to any other part of the country, including the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, I am sure that it would not ask the Government for a ha’penny. In those circumstances, he might go away and usefully review the statistics on what happens to the City’s money, which it raises both from the business community and from its domestic residents. I look forward to engaging with the Solicitor-General in the debates in Committee for sensible scrutiny of the Bill. In its framework, it appears well judged. We will try to ensure that, when it leaves the House, it is improved in any area where that is required.