Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury. A great deal of thought and discussion has gone into the handling of the census, in order to make sure that nothing is done that might exacerbate matters related to foot and mouth disease. Lady may recall that some time ago, the person who is the overall head of the census operation made it plain that careful thought had been given to that, and that every effort would be made to ensure that there were no problems. Will there be a statement about the fact that now, a meeting with some unreconstructed socialists like myself, my hon. They have struggled for 18 years, and have been bailed out by a combination of Labour Members and a Minister in the new Labour team.
Friend is right to draw attention to a very welcome decision.
I congratulate both of my hon. Friends, who have campaigned over a long period and assisted in putting the case, and my hon. Friend the Minister, who made the relevant decision. I endorse entirely the comments of the hon. My question relates indirectly to foot and mouth disease and the measures introduced by the Government to give business rate relief to certain rural areas affected by the outbreak.