58. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider removing, at an early date, the tax from petrol used in agricultural tractors, in view of the increasing number of petrol-driven tractors which are now coming on the market and the very heavy burden which the tax places on the farmer.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on Tuesday to my hon. Friend the Member for South Salford (Mr. Hardy).
Mr. De la BèreDoes not the Financial Secretary realise that the Government, while paying lip service to agriculture, are not helping it at all, and is it not tragic that nothing can be done in regard to this matter?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI think it is very obvious that the hon. Gentleman has not read the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for South Salford.
Mr. De la BèreThis is scandalous, and I give notice that I will raise the matter at the earliest possible date.