asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the scope of agricultural derating; and whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that derating should apply to buildings used to store EEC intervention stocks.

Agricultural derating is limited to land and buildings used solely in connection with agricultural operations. We have no plans to change that position. Buildings used to store intervention board produce, including farm buildings, do not qualify for relief and are liable to be assessed for rates under normal valuation procedures.