HC Deb 23 May 1963 vol 678 cc624-5
25. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what communication he has recently received from the Secretary of the Clyde Fishermen's Association on the question of fishermen's boats and gear being considered mobile equipment for the purposes of taxation; and what was the nature of his reply.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My right hon. Friend received a letter from this Association on this subject and a reply has been sent on his behalf. This explains the objections to this proposal on the lines of what was said by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary in reply to an Amendment on Tuesday.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister aware that the lack of understanding and sympathy shown in this correspondence is calculated to make every fisherman on the Clyde seasick?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That is, indeed, putting it very high.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the rule which the right hon. Gentleman has just adumbrated to apply to all fishermen, including those in north-east Scotland, or is it an invidious practice relating only to the Clyde fishermen? How much does the right hon. Gentleman expect to raise by this means? Does he realise that it is an imposition on the fishing community, which is already hard hit?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I did not adurnbrate any rule whether with respect to the Clyde or with respect to the North-East Coast. The hon. and learned Member spoke of an imposition. What we were discussing was a very generous tax allowance made in the Finance Bill.