§ 88. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the increase in price of food to the public resulting from the rateable assessment of 6d. per sq. ft. on chicken broiler houses and other intensive buildings.
§ Mr. John MackieI understand that assessments vary but on average it is estimated that rating has increased costs by ¼d. per bird which has probably had no effect on retail prices in this competitive market. Few other livestock buildings are rated and it is unlikely that any such increase in costs has been passed on to the public.