HC Deb 21 May 1981 vol 5 c176W
Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Blackburn, Official Report, 13 May 1981, c. 301, why he has undertake no systematic study of the relationship between non-domestic rates and the levels of unemployment.

Mr. King

I do not believe that systematic analysis is necessary to recognise that high rates can add significantly to business costs, so reducing competitiveness, and thus adding to unemployment.