The government's has announced measures to bring back tourism to rural areas. Task Force chief told the Commons yesterday that measures were being put in place to revitalise rural tourism where safe. English Heritage will re-open 200 of its properties from 1 April and the National Trust would open another 150 properties before then. Local authorities and the National Park authorities are to consider which footpaths can be re-opened safely and British Waterways are to re-open many canals. The government has also said it is considering raising central government contributions to rate relief for affected small businesses from 75 per cent to 95 per cent. There may be a possible extension of 50 per cent rate relief to some village pubs and garages while the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise have been instructed to be 'very sympathetic' to businesses in trouble.