§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the implications of the rating of agricultural land or buildings for farm incomes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerI estimate that, after allowing for tax relief, the rating of agricultural land and buildings might bring about a net reduction in total farm incomes of some £250 million. This represents approximately 22 per cent. of forecast farming income in 1985.
However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has made clear, the Government have no plans to re-rate agricultural land and buildings.