HC Deb 11 November 1966 vol 735 cc365-6W
Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many self-propelled pea-vining machines are known to be in the country; why trailer machines have been excluded from the investment grants; and whether he will amend the regulations accordingly.

Mr. John Mackie

I regret the information on pea-vining machines is not available but the number is undoubtedly small. To prepare a practicable scheme of investment grants it was necessary to restrict grant to machinery licensed for Excise purposes as agricultural machines. Trailer machines will not therefore be eligible under the arrangements for which my right hon. Friend is seeking authority in the Agriculture Bill, and he cannot contemplate making any change in these proposals.

Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what agricultural investment grant will be paid for tractors which do not need to be taxed either because they do not leave the farm or because they qualify for exemption in view of the fact that paragraph 2 of Form TIG 1 specifically excludes them.

Mr. John Mackie

None. Except in the Scilly Isles, where special conditions obtain, grant will be payable only on tractors which are licensed as agricultural machines.

Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he intends to make for agricultural investment grants to be paid to companies which undertake the leasing of agricultural machinery.

Mr. John Mackie

Agricultural investment grants will not be paid on leased machinery.