HC Deb 18 November 1964 vol 702 cc436-7
37. Mr. Soames

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to the agricultural industry of the proposed duty on hydrocarbon oils.

39. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to the horticultural industry of the proposed duty on hydrocarbon oils.

Mr. Peart

The estimated total cost to agriculture and horticulture combined is about £2½ million in a full year; £¼ million of this is attributed to horticulture.

Mr. Soames

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is part of a considerable extra rise in costs which farmers will have to bear next year, quite apart from the import surcharge, wages and so on? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he intends to take all these extra costs fully into account when deciding upon the Review and satisfying the proper requirements of farmers' incomes?

Mr. Peart

Of course, this will be taken into consideration when we deal with the Review. I am rather surprised that the right hon. Gentleman suggested that we would not be aware of these factors. He must remember that he was a Minister in an Administration which in 1961 put £3½ million on the industry in respect of duty on oil, petrol, etc.

Mr. Prior

Will the right hon. Gentleman also remember that in 1961 the Government rescinded the duty in favour of horticulture which cannot be taken into account in the Annual Price Review? Will he give an undertaking that at least in the case of horticulture the Government will do the same this time?

Mr. Peart

We shall, of course, bear this in mind and I shall be much more sympathetic to the needs of agriculture and horticulture, as the hon. Member knows fill well.

Mr. Godman Irvine

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what we are asking him is what he proposes to do for horticulture and whether this duty will not mean an increased demand for horticultural produce to be imported?

Mr. Peart

I will bear that in mind, of course, and I have said so.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is part of the Revenue proposals to finance old-age pensioners? Could he tell us how many farmers will have old-age pensions?