To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many petrol retail stations were on the Valuation Office Agency's rating list in 1997; and how many there are on the 2010 rating list. (317803)

As the hon. Member will be aware, there have been some significant changes in the structure of petrol retailing over the past 15 years. Petrol filling stations in the 1995 rating lists were identified using Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Special Category (SCAT) code 222.

As at 1 April 1997 there were 11,870 in England and 1,050 in Wales.

In the draft 2010 rating lists petrol filling stations are under SCAT 209.

As at 2 November there were 5,650 in England and 440 in Wales.