§ 10. Mr. Ashtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce a prohibitive tax or levy on blood sports.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AshtonDoes not the Minister think that the time has come to put an end to this barbarous practice by taxing it out of existence? Why does he think it fair to impose a tax on people playing bingo and backing racehorses but not on people taking part in blood sports?
§ Mr. JenkinWith the greatest respect, I think that the hon. Gentleman is confused about the revenue-raising purpose of a tax and the legislation which he has in mind to outlaw field sports. This is not a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. RamsdenIs my hon. Friend aware that a further tax on fishing in addition to the licences which anglers are already required to have would be widely resented?
§ Mr. JenkinI entirely agree with my right hon. Friend, but the original Question of the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Ashton), suggested the imposition of a prohibitive tax which, on that definition, would abolish fishing.
§ Mr. William PriceIs the Minister aware that in my village last week the North Warwickshire Hunt got into a private garden and tore a fox to pieces in front of small children? Is it not time we got a grip on this, if not through the Home Office, then by fiscal means through the Treasury?
§ Mr. JenkinThat is the oddest reason for imposing a new tax that I have ever heard.