HC Deb 30 April 1996 vol 276 c423W
17. Dr. Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the impact on small businesses of his policy to give transitional relief on the unified business rate. [25689]

Mr. Gummer

In 1995–96, the transitional arrangements benefited 815,000 small business premises compared with 315,000 large properties. This represents a saving to small businesses of nearly £380 million. Over the period 1995 to 2000, small businesses are expected to benefit by about £1.35 billion from transition.