HC Deb 06 May 1976 vol 910 cc1463-4
16. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration his Department has given to schemes for rating agricultural land.

Mr. Bishop

My Department has given evidence about derating of agricultural land to the Committee on Local Government Finance under Mr. Layfield.

Sir A. Meyer

Will the Minister press his right hon. Friend to be resolute in 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. Bishop

I 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.