§ 71. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can 255 now announce the date on which the Purchase Tax is to come into operation; and whether he is aware that the delay in fixing this date is causing great confusion throughout many branches of industry, and considerable hardships will be inflicted on working people unless adequate notice is given before this tax is imposed.
§ Sir K. WoodIt is proposed that the Purchase Tax shall come into operation on 21st October.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Chancellor aware that a Press announcement this morning indicates that the tax is not likely to come into operation? Can he make a statement with regard to that announcement?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir, I cannot.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisIs there any fear of the Purchase Tax interfering with investment in National Savings?
§ Sir K. WoodI have dealt with that matter in the course of debates.