Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion the 25 per cent. rateable value of industrial hereditaments, now to be derated, bears to total rateable value in the Province; what additional sum by way of rates will be paid in consequence by other ratepayers; and by what percentage he estimates that rates paid by domestic ratepayers will be raised in 1983–84.
§ Mr. John PattenThe residual 25 per cent. of rateable value of industrial hereditaments which it is proposed to relieve of rate liability represents approximately 3 per cent. of total rateable value in Northern Ireland. The cost of industrial derating is met by the Government. Therefore, neither in relation to the existing level of industrial derating nor to the proposed higher level does the relief act to increase the burden on other ratepayers.