HC Deb 14 May 1969 vol 783 cc1382-3
10. Mr. Stodart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the increased costs of production falling upon those farmers whose buildings have been assessed for rates were taken into account in the recent Price Review.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Cost increases attributable to rates, which were of the order of £84,000, were taken into account on the same basis as other cost increases at the Annual Review.

Mr. Stodart

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this system must mean that a farmer who has been rated suffers higher costs than another farmer who has not been so rated? Is he really anxious to restore the situation to conform with the intention of the Act, and, if so, is it not possible to place a temporary embargo on the activities of his assessors, at least until this matter has been straightened out?

Mr. Hughes

As the hon. Gentleman appreciates, this is a difficult and complex problem. At present it is being urgently considered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself. I would only add that the increase in rates is a very small part of the total figure for increases. It is less than 0.2 per cent., but I recognise the importance of the problem.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is an increasing problem for farmers in England and Wales? When he has completed his discussions with his Government colleagues, will he publish a White Paper containing his conclusions and a statement of what can be done to make this system fair throughout the country?

Mr. Hughes

I appreciate the point the hon. Gentleman has in mind, but, as I said, this is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, to whom I shall convey the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.