Rating (Agricultural Premises and Rural Shops) Bill

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Mr. Gray: I take some comfort from the Minister's words, but I am disappointed that she will not accept the new clause, as it would kill two birds with one stone.

My pager informs me that the Prime Minister is in his car on the way to Buckingham palace to seek Her Majesty's leave to dissolve Parliament. Perhaps we should therefore round off the Committee by quoting from a Conservative party press release on the subject that we are debating, which states that the next Conservative Government—there will be one a month from now—

``will exempt new and existing equestrian businesses from business rates.''

The Chairman: Order. The hon. Gentleman should return to the new clause.

Mr. Gray: That exemption is the purpose of the new clause. We hope that, on 8 June, we shall be in a position to introduce such a measure ourselves. I take some comfort from the Minister's remarks in the short term, and in the light of that, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.

Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill to be reported, without amendment.

Committee rose at five minutes to One o'clock.

The following Members attended the Committee:
Benton, Mr. Joe (Chairman)
Ainsworth, Mr. Robert
Armstrong, Ms
Borrow, Mr.
Cawsey, Mr.
Cotter, Mr.
Drew, Mr.
Edwards, Mr.
Fraser, Mr.
Gray, Mr.
Green, Mr.
Heath, Mr. David
Hughes, Mr. Kevin
Keeble, Ms
McIntosh, Miss
Organ, Mrs.
Temple-Morris, Mr.

 

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Prepared 8 May 2001