§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about delays to preparations for, or provision of information about, the proposed business rate relief for604W village shops and similar businesses; and if he will make a statement on the timetable for implementing such relief. [20453]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI have received a number of representations about rate relief for village shops. To allow local authorities sufficient time to prepare for the scheme, we intend to bring the rate relief measures into force from 1 April 1998.
§ Mr. NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals have been put to him, since 1 January 1995, from organisations representing small businesses, for(a) abolition of the business rates system and its replacement by another system for raising revenue and (b) fundamental changes in this system as it affects small businesses; and which proposals were received from more than one such organisation. [20452]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI have received a number of different proposals from organisations representing small businesses for the reform of the rating system.