§ 31. Mr. Danceasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the wholesale slaughtering of animals is regarded as a distributive trade for the purposes of Selective Employment Tax.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Roy Hattersley)The activity is so classified in the standard industrial classification, which was adopted as the basis of Selective Employment Tax classification.
§ Mr. DanceIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that municipal slaughterhouses do not pay the Selective Employment Tax? Surely it is most unjust that a firm which is doing identically the same work should he charged the tax.
§ Mr. HattersleyI am aware that the position is as the hon. Gentleman has described it. As to the justice or injustice of the situation, I fear that he must await the review of classifications which I promised to the House some weeks ago.
§ Mr. R. CarrCannot the hon. Gentleman give the House a closer idea about when the results of the review will be announced? It has been promised in general terms for a long time.
§ Mr. HattersleyI accept that it has been promised for some time, and I accept equally the necessity to make a 870 statement to the House at the first opportunity. But our obligation is to make sure that when the review is announced it is comprehensive and right. I hope that we can do those things in the near future.