HC Deb 21 February 1995 vol 255 cc139-41W
Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received from the Small Business Federation on the disregarding of crime prevention measures in the new rate revaluation; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make it his policy to amend regulations to take additional costs for protection of business premises against crime out of the formula used for assessing new rateable values; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robert B. Jones

I have received a number of representations from the Small Business Federation on the rating of certain security equipment. The Government agree with the recommendation of the Wood committee on the rating of plant and machinery that equipment installed to protect property from vandalism enhances the value of that property and thus should attract rates. We have no plans to amend the regulations.