I wish to point out to the House that this sum, to my mind, is altogether insufficient, taking into account the present condition of agriculture. Taking into account the enormous increase in the demands made by the local authorities in rates at the present time, and that over 80 per cent. of that increase is being borne directly by our agricultural people, I think there is not a fair distribution of this charge. We all must admit that, in a civilised country, the sick and the poor and the needy must be looked after, but there should be a more equitable distribution of the charge between the people of the rural class and the people who live in the towns. I do not think it is at all fair to ask people to contribute taxation for local administration on a valuation basis, because that is no indication of a man's earning capacity. The agricultural community have no objection whatever to making their fair contribution towards the cost of local services, but when I say: "A fair contribution" I mean a contribution in relation to their earning capacity. Very often you find a professional man or a business man living in a house on which there is a relatively small valuation. Although that man has a big income, his contribution to local services is a negligible amount compared with that of a farmer living on land with a valuation of £100 or more, but whose earning capacity has no relation whatever to that of the other man. Eventually, I think the Government will be forced to realise that, in justice, the agricultural community are entitled to derating of agricultural land. If our farmers are to be put on the same basis as their competitors in Northern Ireland and in England, that must come. If we are going to compete, we can only compete on the same basis. Pending the arrival of that time—I hope it will be soon—I submit, Sir, that this Vote should be increased considerably in order to help our agricultural people.
