Agricultural Industry (Selective Employment Tax)

HC Deb 10 May 1966 vol 728 cc62-4W

Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will fully reimburse farmers in Scotland at the 1967 Annual Price Review with the cost to them of the proposed Selective Employment Tax between 5th September, 1966 and the date of the review.

Mr. Ross

I would refer the hon. Member to what was said in the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 6th May and by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 9th May.

Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on agricultural employment of the proposed selective employment tax.

Mr. Ross

As the Government's intention is to offset the tax so far as is practicable there should be no material effect on agricultural employment.