§ 37. Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total cost of fowl pest compensation since April, 1960 and what sum has been paid to owners assessed under the herd basis for Income Tax purposes.
Mr. VaneSince 1st April, 1960, the payment of about £3,100,000 has been incurred by way of compensation for poultry slaughtered because of fowl pest. I have no knowledge of the sum paid to owners assessed under the herd basis for Income Tax purposes.
§ Mr. PriorWill my hon. Friend see if he can try to find some figures on this point? There are some rather disturbing reports that people are asking to be assessed, and arranging to be assessed, under the herd basis, thereby avoiding paying Income Tax on the compensation?
Mr. VaneI am advised that it would be difficult to make available all the information which my hon. Friend requires, as it would take a disproportionate amount of research. On the 679 other hand, he knows, I am sure, that where a farmer has not opted to be assessed for tax purposes under the herd basis and he unfortunately has to have the whole of his herd compulsorily slaughtered, he is able then to decide whether he would like to take advantage of that option and change.