§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many non-profit making sports clubs in Northern Ireland applied for rate relief for each of the financial years 1979–80 to 1991–92 and as a total over the same period; and how many of these clubs were granted rate relief of(a) 25 per cent. or under (b) 25 to 50 per cent., (c) 50 to 65 per cent., (d) 65 to 90 per cent. and (e) 90 to 100 per cent.
§ Dr. MawhinneyRate relief for non-profit making sports clubs is a mandatory 65 per cent., but is restricted to those parts of the premises used solely for sporting purposes. This is administered by the Commissioner of Valuation who is responsible for the maintenance of the valuation list.
Relief is granted as of right to these clubs and there is no need for them to apply.
The application of sports and recreational relief is governed by article 31 of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, and the Rates (Recreational Hereditaments) (Northern Ireland) Order 1979.