§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secret try of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to allow rural businesses in the tourist industry a payment holiday in respect of business rates as a result of losses incurred during the foot and mouth outbreak. [155106]
566W
§ Mr. MeacherI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Luff) on 26 March 2001,Official Report, columns 425–26W.
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to ensure that businesses whose cash flow has been significantly affected by the consequences of the foot and mouth outbreak receive immediate assistance in the form of(a) interest free loans, (b) relief on business rates and (c) other measures. [155157]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 23 March 2001]: I set out a package of short term help for businesses in my statement to the House on 20 March 2001, Official Report, columns 191–210, and further details of the discretionary hardship rate relief scheme in my answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Luff) on 26 March 2001, Official Report, columns 425–26W.