§ 28. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in the present economic situation, 1711 he proposes in the Miscellaneous Fees (Variation) Order, 1968 to increase the Riding Establishment Licence Fee by 1900 per cent.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe revised fee of £10 takes account of the expense borne by the local authority in obtaining the veterinary report required before the grant of a licence. The previous fee was quite unrealistic.
§ Mr. KingIs it not a fact that most of these institutions teach small children to ride ponies, a harmless and pleasing occupation? Is it really reasonable to impose a price increase of such a fantastic kind, which sets an outrageous example when other members of the Government are trying to keep prices down.
§ Mr. EnnalsNor would it be reasonable that a local authority and its ratepayers should bear the burden. The previous fee was only 10s. and, since the local authority must pay the cost of having a veterinary report, the average cost of which is often up to £8 or more, it is quite unreasonable that it should fall on the backs of the ratepayers.
§ Mr. John SmithWhy pester these people with licences at all?
§ Mr. EnnalsThe Act was passed by the previous Administration, although I know that the hon. Member was not here then.