HC Deb 20 January 2000 vol 342 c520W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and the DETR about reducing business rates in the North-West. [105272]

Mr. Caborn

There have not been any discussions between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions specifically about a reduction in business rates in the North-West. However, my Department has been involved in discussions about the arrangements for transitional relief and is also involved in the Government review of the system of revaluation of non-domestic rates in England.