§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps she has taken to introduce legislation to provide rate relief for small businesses on former agricultural sites. [18784]
§ Dr. WhiteheadProvisions for a five year 50 per cent. mandatory rate relief scheme for new small businesses on what had previously been agricultural premises are contained in the Rating (Former Agricultural Premises and Rural Shops) Act 2001. The Act covers England and 1067W Wales. The Act was commenced in England on 15 August. It has not yet been commenced in Wales, which is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.