HC Deb 17 July 1952 vol 503 cc2309-10
20. Captain Duncan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements have now been made to exempt nurses' aprons from Purchase Tax.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir. This matter is still under consideration and I regret I have no statement to make at the moment.

Captain Duncan

As I hope that this matter will be decided during the Recess, will my hon. Friend make a public statement as soon as there is a decision?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Obviously any adjustment of tax would require public announcement, otherwise people might go on paying too much.

Mr. Lewis

Can the hon. Gentleman say why he has taken so long to make up his mind on this matter; or is this just usual Government delay?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not know whether the hon. Member has ever attempted to define a nurses' apron. It is an intellectual exercise not without difficulty.