§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities drawing their attention to the appropriate section of the General Rate Act 1967 which enables rating authorities to grant discretionary rate relief to recognised charities following the recent adverse decision in the case of Oxfam v. Birmingham District Council.
§ Mr. John SilkinNo. Rating authorities are already aware that the appropriate section is Section 40(5) of the General Rate Act 1967.