Ways and Means

I apologise. The cinema would be an asset to her city, but the fact remains that there appears to be no developer willing to take the project on, despite the public support that it enjoys. Nothing that the Government might do about planning legislation will change that. I do not believe that the proposal before us would hinder that process: on the contrary, I believe that it will help because, if it impacts business activity by changing planning decisions, that will be beneficial. That is part of its purpose, and it is an exact corollary of what the hon. Member for Surrey Heath said. I therefore hope that the House will support the motion. I appreciate that serious points have been made in what has been a good-natured debate. I look forward to discussing them further on Second Reading and as the Bill proceeds through a Committee of the whole House. Resolved,"That provision may be made for and in connection with the liability of owners of unoccupied hereditaments to a non-domestic rate." Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolution: And that the Prime Minister, Mr. Secretary Prescott, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Secretary Darling, Mr. Secretary Hain, Secretary Ruth Kelly, Mr. Stephen Timms, John Healey, Mr. Phil Woolas, Ed Balls and Angela E. Smith do prepare and bring it in.