§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations have been made to him concerning the rating burden of the commercial distributive sector in Northern Ireland; and what plans he has to deal with the problem.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI have received representations from several bodies that the distributive sector in Northern Ireland should be given a substantial measure of rate relief, including a proposal for a diminishing amount of help over four years. I have made it clear that I would not be justified in acceding to these requests as it would mean increasing the rate burden on other ratepayers in the Province or recouping the lost revenue by reducing other public expenditure since there is no question of providing extra public expenditure for this purpose.