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Port Business Rates

I take the right hon. Gentleman's point. As someone who came into this place at the ancient age of 54, with a business background, I found the geological time that is occasionally also Government time difficult to deal with. None of what I have said diminishes the impact of backdated rates, combined with the current economic climate, on port-based ratepayers. We understand and sympathise with their plight, which is partly why we introduced the schedule of payments scheme and went in for an unprecedented eight years. The scheme is providing help, but there are still instances, as with Scotline, when that help comes too late or is not sufficient. The fundamental issue is that we cannot selectively let some businesses off a legally established tax, actively disadvantaging companies that have paid it. Members present understand that, so we have to find a way through. In conclusion, the Government and this Minister are as concerned as Members about the impact of backdated rates liability.