asked the Minister of Health whether he has now reached a conclusion regarding the granting of de-rating to small shopkeepers; and whether he will make a statement regarding the rating of other business people whose businesses have been adversely affected by the war?

I do not contemplate the introduction of legislation to extend the scope of the existing de-rating provisions.

In view of the fact of the conditions which were alleged to make de-rating necessary when de-rating was made previously in respect of certain industrial premises, will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the position?