§ Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis it has been estimated that the cost to the horticultural industry of the proposed increase in the duty on hydrocarbon oils is £750,000.
§ Mr. PeartMay I first remind the hon. Member that my reply to his Question on 18th November referred to the cost as £¼million, and not £¾ million My estimate was obtained by apportioning the total cost between agriculture and horticulture in ratio to the value of output produced by each.
§ Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what proposals he has, other than in the context of the Annual Review, for relieving the horticultural industry from the duty on hydrocarbon oils.
§ Mr. PeartDuring the past 13 years Her Majesty's Government have consistently declined to remit increases in the duty on petrol and derv used in the horticultural industry. I see no reason to depart from that policy Under the Horticulture Act, 1960, and the Agriculture and Horticulture Act, 1964, substantial assistance is being offered to growers to help them to maintain and improve their competitive position.