§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will classify the reasons for ineligibility of those applicants who have been refused registration as agricultural establishments for the purpose of repayment of the Selective Employment Tax; and if he will give the numbers in each classification.
§ Mr. John MackieI regret that the information requested by the hon. Member is not available and it would be expensive in time and labour to obtain it.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to public funds of dealing with each claim for repayment of the Selective Employment Tax to agricultural establishments.
§ Mr. John MackieOn the basis of the number of applications for registration approved to date, the present estimate is100W that the cost to public funds of dealing with each quarterly claim may average about 5s.
§ Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce amending legislation to ensure that the Selective Employment Tax refunds paid to farmers bear interest.
§ Mr. PeartNo; for the purposes of this tax farmers are in the same position as the other employers who are entitled to refund.