§ Lord Higginsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any money paid for horse passports has been paid to the Government; and, if so, by what authority the money has been levied. [HL535]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Her Majesty's Government have not directly received any of the money received by passport issuing organisations from the issue of equine passports. No money paid for horse passports has been paid to the Government. Fees are paid to the passport usury authorities, which set their own fees. Normal taxation rules apply to these organisations so Her Majesty's Government may receive money indirectly. No specific authority is needed for this purpose.