§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will arrange for the rates relief scheme to be extended to help small shopkeepers and traders outside the inner ring of Belfast who are suffering directly because of the troubles in their area; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. David HowellNo. The rates relief scheme had to be selective; the central areas of Belfast, Londonderry and Newry had a special case for assistance. My right hon. Friend is well aware that trading difficulties in Northern Ireland have been varied and widespread. It is his intention to promote conditions in which these difficulties will be reduced and normal business conditions re-established