§ 39. Mr. Boydenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the opportunities for properly testing the efficacy of the vaccine, Dictol, under general field conditions were severely restricted between 19th February and 18th March, what investigations were undertaken before this vaccine was exempted from Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. BarberDictol was exempted from tax following production by the manufacturers of further evidence from independent veterinary surgeons about the efficacy of the vaccine under field conditions.
§ Mr. BoydenIs the Economic Secretary aware that, in 1958, 8,000 animals on 260 farms were tested, and in 1959 tens of thousands of animals had this vaccine with satisfactory results? Is he aware that the disease is a summer disease and that when he answered a Question by me on 19th February he said that further full researches were taking place? Does not he feel that he should apologise to the farmers for mulcting them of Purchase Tax under false pretences?
§ Mr. BarberIn matters of this kind which involve scientific judgment, we naturally take advice from those who know about these things. On 8th, 10th and 15th March—as late as that—we 1503 were given a considerable amount of further and new evidence which came from 50 independent veterinary surgeons to the manufacturers, and it was as a consequence of this new evidence that those who advise us on these matters did so, with the result that Dictol was very soon afterwards exempted from Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. BoydenCan the Minister say why he did not ask for information immediately after the farmers submitted the results of tests?
§ Mr. BarberIn these matters many items are concerned. Dictol is not the only one. It is up to the manufacturers to produce evidence for tax exemption.