HC Deb 11 December 1945 vol 417 cc219-20
57. Mr. Dye

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what regulations govern the payment of postwar credits to farmers in respect of their E.P.T.; and whether the same regulations apply to tenant farmers as to owner-occupiers.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The provisions contained in Part IV of, and the Sixth Schedule to, the Finance Bill. These apply to farmers, whether tenants or owner-occupiers, as to all other traders.

Mr. Dye

Is my hon. Friend aware that so far as tenant farmers are concerned, it is those who are well equipped with capital who have paid E.P.T., and therefore the condition that postwar credits should only be expended on further capital expenditure seems unnecessary and unfair?

Mr. Hall

Obviously if they had not been paying E.P.T. they could not get refunds.

Mr. Dye

I think my hon. Friend has misunderstood my question. The ones who have been paying it, so far as tenant farmers are concerned, are those who are well equipped with capital.

Mr. Hall

I am sorry. I do not understand the point.

Mr. Dye

Then I will explain the position to my hon. Friend later.