asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Samaritans of Tyneside v. the Newcastle Upon Tyne City Council on 17 July, he will undertake a review of section 2 subsections 1 and 2 (d) of the Rating (Disabled Persons) Act 1978.

There does not appear to be any justification in this Court of Appeal decision for departing from the general principles of the 1978 Act and extending disabled rate relief beyond institutions caring predominantly for the disabled. I understand that the Samaritans of Tyneside already receive the minimum 50 per cent. rating relief on properties used for charitable purposes.