§ 71. Mr. Arthur Hollinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can inform the House as to the estimated amount of income which will be derived from the Purchase Tax on utility ware during the current financial year?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)No, Sir. The sales of such ware are not separately distinguished in the Purchase Tax returns, and under present conditions it is not possible to estimate the taxable turnover or tax yield in the current year.
§ 72. Mr. Hollinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the exemption of utility pottery from the Purchase Tax which, when added to the maximum selling price, makes the purchase of pottery practically prohibitive to the working-class people?
§ Sir K. WoodI regret I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion, and I cannot agree that the present controlled retail prices are prohibitive.
§ Mr. HollinsWhy cannot the same concession be made to utility ware as has already been made in the case of furni- 1194 ture and clothing? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision?
§ Sir K. WoodI know that my hon. Friend will not overlook the fact that various financial considerations are involved.
§ Mr. MacLarenWhat are they?