§ 16. Sir A. Meyerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration his Department has given to schemes for rating agricultural land.
§ Mr. BishopMy Department has given evidence about derating of agricultural land to the Committee on Local Government Finance under Mr. Layfield.
§ Sir A. MeyerWill the Minister press his right hon. Friend to be resolute in 1464 preventing his Cabinet colleagues from adopting a specious solution which would add £170 million to farmers' costs and make nonsense of any claim that the Government are expanding agricultural production?
§ Mr. BishopI should not like to hazard a guess as to the value of the rating of agricultural land if re-rated. I ask the hon. Gentleman to await the Lay-field Report, which I understand is likely to be made public shortly.