§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the annual estimated costs to the Exchequer of granting subsidies to the fishing industries, horticulture, farming and all other types of subsidised assistance as requested in Early Day Motions tabled since February 1974; and to what extent tax could be reduced if the cuts in public expenditure as suggested by similar motions were implemented.
§ Mr. Joel Barnett:The total extra cost of implementing proposals arising from 35W two early day motions on 4th March about the glasshouse industry and the fishing industry would be about £20 million a year. The Government, as announced on 27th February, have agreed to a temporary aid to the fishing industry for the first six months of the year, costing £6.25 million. Hence the total extra cost of implementing in full the proposals arising from these motions would be about £13.75 million a year. I regret it would cost disproportionate time and effort to provide the information requested on all early day motions tabled since February 1974, in respect of all types of subsidised assistance in general.