HC Deb 14 November 1996 vol 285 c323W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's estimate of the number of sports clubs which pay business rates on their premises. [4142]

Mr. Curry

My Department estimates that about 10,000 sports clubs are liable for rates in England. Many will have their bills reduced or remitted in full by local authorities using their discretionary powers.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of business rates paid in the last year for which figures are available on sporting rights relate to(a) shooting, (b) fly fishing and (c) coarse fishing. [4141]

Mr. Curry

The information requested is not held centrally.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list the representations he received asking for the abolition of the business rate on sporting rights showing the name of the organisation or individual requesting such abolition and the date such representations were received by his Department; [4143]

(2) if he will list the representations he received asking for the abolition or reduction of the business rate on sports club premises, showing the name of the organisation or individual requesting such abolition and the date such representations were received by his Deaprtmetn. [4144]

Mr. Curry

I have received a number of representations over the past three years. I will write to the hon. Member with further details in due course.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library a list indicating for each local authority area the amount received from business rates on sporting rights. [4140]

Mr. Curry

The information requested is not held centrally. There are about 6,000 sporting rights in England. We estimate that local authorities receive less than £5 million in respect of rates on those hereditaments.