§ 30. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the proportion of buildings on agricultural holdings in Scotland that are now rated.
§ Mr. BuchanPrecise information of this kind is not available, but I estimate that about 2 per cent. of the agricultural holdings in Scotland have some rated buildings on them.
§ Sir J. GilmourCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the calculations in the Price Review take into account agricultural buildings that are rated?
§ Mr. BuchanAll such costs are taken into account in discussions on the Annual Price Review.
§ Mr. StodartIs the hon. Gentleman aware that figures given the other day showed that in Scotland the total value of buildings rated is half that in England whereas normally it would be only a tenth? Even if the calculations are being taken into account in the agricultural Price Review, how is it possible accurately to bring back this amount into the Scottish agricultural sphere?
§ Mr. BuchanI accept the point that there has been a disproportionate increase in the rating of agricultural buildings in Scotland so far. The hon. Gentleman knows the reasons for this increase, and the difficulties in making a precise allocation back in terms of the Annual Price Review. The Annual Price Review makes a general distribution of the costs as the industry and agriculture require it.
§ Sir J. GilmourIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.