HC Deb 18 May 1966 vol 728 cc252-3W
68. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he proposes to administer the Selective Employment Tax in the fishing industry.

Mr. Hoy

The general arrangements are stated in the White Paper. The administrative arrangements for refunds of tax and payment of premiums will be announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour after consultation with industry.

69. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he estimates will be the cost in a full year to the agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries of the new Selective Employment Tax.

Mr. John Mackie

For agriculture and horticulture, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 9th May and to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Body) on 11th May. Figures for forestry were provided in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 9th May to the hon. Member for North Angus and Mearns (Mr. Buchanan-Smith).

73. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what developments of horticultural policy he will propose to take account of the effects of the proposed Selective Employment Tax.

Mr. Hoy

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Hazell) on 13th May.

74. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that the Selective Employment Tax will be refunded to agricultural and horticultural co-operative associations and companies wholly owned by growers, and that there will be no discrimination against farmers' co-operatives as compared with growers who carry out similar packing, grading and related processes on their own farms.

Mr. John Mackie

We are considering the position of these co-operative bodies in the light of the Government's decision to refund the tax direct to individual farmers and growers. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.