Clause 13 - Application by individual
Hunting Bill
4:30 pm
Mr Gregory Barker (Bexhill and Battle, Conservative)
I take some comfort from the Minister's remarks, and take him at his word. If the measure is not to become a tax on pest control, recreation, sport or livelihood, it is right and proper that costs be kept to an absolute minimum. If that is done, as the Minister promises, and the measure does not represent an unsupportable financial burden to those whom it affects, many would feel that they could live with the fee, although they might pay it grudgingly. Nevertheless, they are mindful that this is a regressive fee that takes no account of ability to pay. The fee will be levied on the Duke and the kennelman alike. I hope that Labour Members will bear that in mind when the fee is set. On the basis that the ability to pay does not become a third test that must be passed, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.