---

Business Rate Supplements Bill

My hon. Friend has the measure of me on that. I do not have the details of those regulations. I go back to the policy that a business should pay its fair amount of rates from the point at which it occupies the property, and that all businesses should be treated in a manner consistent with fair competition. That is the principle on which we disagree with the Lords amendments, but the reason, as I said, is one of financial privilege. Question put, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 11. The House divided: Ayes 258, Noes 227.