§ 86. Sir T. Beamishasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the National Farmers' Union about the 2d. per gallon surcharge on fuel oils; what percentage increase this amounts to for horticulturists requiring to heat glasshouses in comparison with the percentage increase for non-commercial users of petrol and oil; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartI have had correspondence with the National Farmers' Union and on 26th September met their representatives. 127W I estimate that in a full year the surcharge would increase by about 20 per cent. the cost of heating glasshouses by oil. No meaningful comparison can be made between non-commercial users who pay the retail price for petrol and oil, and horticulturists who buy oil for glasshouse heating at the wholesale price (often at a discount) and enjoy a tax rebate of 2.2d. a gallon.