§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the decision of the House of Lords, he will introduce early legislation to ensure that shops run in aid of registered charities are entitled to claim 50 per cent. rate relief.
§ Mr. John SilkinNot at present. As I said in reply to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop) on Wednesday 7th May—[Vol. 891, c. 451]–1 am quite ready to consider the matter in the context of legislation on local government finance following the report of the Lay-field Committee. In the meantime, I am advised that Section 40(5) of the General Rate Act 1967 enables rating authorities, at their discretion, to grant rate relief in the relevant circumstances. This can exceed 50 per cent.