§ 1. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received to the latest convenient date, from the National Farmers Union on the rating of broiler and other intensive livestock houses.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)The union has made representations on several occasions about the rating of certain kinds of buildings—mainly but not exclusively those used for intensive livestock production—most recently on 30th January when it met the Minister for Planning and Land together with my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and myself.
§ Mr. BrewisWhy has there been such a long delay in restoring the position on derating to what it was before the 1964 legal decisions? When will the Government act on this matter?
§ Mr. MackieIt is not a case of restoring the position. The situation in agriculture has changed considerably and the intensive housing of animals is fairly recent. This is the problem, that it does not tie up with the Act. This is a very difficult subject. There is a case going to the the House of Lords. The whole question of local authority rating is currently being discussed.