§ 23. Mr. John Wellsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the hardship to the horticultural industry that will be caused by the proposed 40 per cent. tax on land scheduled for development; and if he will ex amine the possibilities of new tax reliefs for those building or rebuilding glasshouses with a view to offsetting this imposition.
§ Mr. DiamondMy right hon. Friend cannot propose any special tax reliefs for the horticultural industry. However, grants are available under the Horticulture Improvement Scheme towards replacing or reconstructing glasshouses.
§ Mr. WellsWill the hon. Gentleman look at the position and realise that the whole traditional pattern of the British glasshouse industry has been very adversely affected by these tax changes, and that the comparable tax position of the glasshouse industry in Holland is very much more favourable? Will he seize himself of these figures and then perhaps receive a deputation?
§ Mr. DiamondI am always prepared to receive a deputation. I was not quite sure from the point that the hon. Gentleman is making whether it would be preferable for me or for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to receive the deputation in question.