asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will prepare a scheme to give relief from rates to those businesses in the centre of Belfast whose turnover and profitability have been seriously affected by the current security situation.

As my right hon. Friend announced yesterday he has decided to introduce a scheme to assist the payment of rates by commercial concerns not only in the centre of Belfast but also in the main commercial areas of Londonderry and Newry. Basically the scheme will consist of a 75 per cent. grant of a year's rates to businesses, other than wholesalers, banks and offices, provided they can show that their turnover and profitability have been seriously affected by the current situation.