§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is taking steps to bring England and Wales into line with Northern Ireland with regard to mandatory rate relief for non-profit making sports clubs.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNo. We intend to continue with the present system whereby local authorities in England and Wales can grant up to 100 per cent. rate relief to non-profit making sports clubs. The mandatory 65 per cent. rate relief given to sports clubs in Northern Ireland under the Rates Amendment (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (SI 1979 No: 297 (NI.4) reflects the average level of discretionary rate relief given at the time to similar bodies by local authorities in England and Wales.