§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will take steps to relieve the burden of rates on small businesses for the year 1976–77; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received concerning the increasing burden of rates on small businesses throughout England and Wales.
§ Mr. John SilkinI have recently received several letters from hon. Members resulting from a campaign organised by the National Chamber of Trade, which is asking for revisions to the rating system to relieve, in particular, the rate burden on small businesses. As I have informed them in my replies, this is a matter which must await the report of the Layfield Committee.