§ Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the additional cost per year to the 378W forestry industry in Scotland of the wear-and-tear tax specified in the Transport Bill.
§ Mr. RossNo realistic estimate can be made of the total cost to forestry of the proposed road haulage charges, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has estimated that, in general, the charges will increase the operating costs of the vehicles affected by 2½ to 3½ per cent.
§ Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the additional cost per year to farming in Scotland of the wear-and-tear tax specified in the Transport Bill.
§ Mr. RossThe increase in these costs cannot be assessed at this stage. It has been estimated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport that in general the charges will increase the operating costs of the vehicles affected by 2½to 3½ per cent. Farmers' goods vehicles will, however, be charged at lower rates.