The environment minister has unveiled a preliminary package of measures for businesses hit by the foot and mouth crisis, including enhanced discretionary and mandatory rate relief, deferred payment of taxes and national insurance contributions, a small business helpline, faster and more flexible DSS procedures, increased support for the Rural Stress Network and matching donations made by the voluntary sector. Further information on rate reduction, applications, which must be made before conditions return to normal, is available at http://www.local.detr.gov.uk/finance/busrats.htm, whilst the Inland Revenue has opened a helpline, Tel: 0845 300 0157. The measures have been welcomed by the RICS, which had called for local authorities to treat rate relief requests by rural businesses sympathetically and for the government to meet the full cost of such rate relief, and the Countryside Agency. Both organisations, however, say the plans fall far short of the required help.