§ Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his intention to introduce legislation in the next Session to exempt charity shops from the need to pay rates.
§ Mr. John SilkinMy right hon. Friend hopes to introduce legislation to bring charity shops within the scope of the relief for charitable organisations under Section 40 of the General Rate Act 1967 at the next suitable legislative opportunity. I cannot promise when that will be.