CUSTOMS ADMIT HEAVY-HANDED APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL SHOWS ON RED DIESEL

MSP WINS ASSURANCE THAT POLICY WILL BE REVIEWED

Scottish National Party MSP for Banff & Buchan Stewart Stevenson has won an assurance from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that they will review their policy on the use of tractors at agricultural shows in respect of red diesel.

Mr Stevenson was prompted to write to Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling following concerns that a heavy-handed approach taken to shows in the North of England could spread to the North-east. Officials at Wooler Show in Northumberland were left stunned when they were told farmers who volunteered to help set up the show using their tractors would be penalised for using red diesel. HMRC then suggested to the show that it should buy its own tractor for the 2-3 hours work it would be required for each year.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I was concerned to note the rather heavy-handed approach taken by HMRC officials at a show in the North of England. Agricultural shows are one of the mainstays of the rural calendar and many of them rely on voluntary assistance from local farmers without which many shows would simply not be able to take place.

“The advice from HMRC that shows should consider buying a cheap second-hand tractor for such duties, was completely disproportionate, bearing in mind we are talking about an annual event and probably something of the order of a couple of hours’ work each year.

“I therefore wrote to the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, being fearful of the knock-on effects for shows in the North-east. I am pleased to say that the tone of the reply I have received from HMRC is very conciliatory.

“HMRC have recognised that their activities at and around agricultural shows can be seen as heavy handed and agree that the advice given to go out and buy a tractor was completely disproportionate.

“The fact that HMRC have accepted this and are now reviewing their policy in this regard gives grounds for cautious optimism that common-sense might now prevail and shows in the North-east such as Turriff and New Deer won’t be penalised in the same way that Wooler Show was.”