§ 55. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce amending legislation to reduce the rating burden of recognised charities, in view of the House of Lords Appeal decision in the case of Oxfam v. Birmingham District Council.
§ Mr. John SilkinNot at present. But I am quite ready to consider the matter in the context of legislation on local government finance following the report of he Layfield Committee. In the meantime. I am advised that Section 40(5) of the General Rate Act 1967 enables rating authorities, at their discretion, to grant rate relief in the relevant circumstances.