§ 127. Sir W. Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the total increase in farm costs in Scotland over a full year taking account of wages, import surcharges, increase in fuel tax, and rates of National Insurance contributions, and the rise in Bank Rate.
§ Mr. RossIt is not possible to isolate the effects of the import surcharge from those of other factors affecting farm costs. The total increase in costs in Scotland attributable to the other items mentioned by the right hon. Member, 37W and including the wage increase recently recommended by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, is estimated at £4.4 million in a full year.