HC Deb 18 October 1944 vol 403 cc2386-7
87. Mr. Lipson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the concern felt by the troops in the Middle East at the payment of Purchase Tax on presents sent by them to their relatives at home while better paid American and Dominion troops incur no such tax liability; and will he place British troops in this respect in the same position as the men from America and the Dominions who are fighting by their side.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr.Assheton)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for York (Captain Lord Irwin) on 10th October. It would not be accurate to say that there are no restrictions on parcels sent home by United States and Dominion Forces. The practice varies a good deal; no doubt each country gives what it feels is practicable, having regard inter alia to the extent and nature of its taxes.

Mr. Lipson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the U.S. Forces and Dominion troops are in a more favourable position in this matter than our own, and that these restrictions are bitterly resented by the men overseas? Is it really worth while to maintain them in view of the small amount of money involved?

Mr. Assheton

My hon. Friend will appreciate that unfortunately it would be impossible to control imports into this country at all without some restrictions.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is regarded as a major grievance by the troops concerned, and can he not go further to meet that legitimate grievance?

Mr. Assheton

I am fully aware of that, and the Chancellor has done what he can, but it is quite impossible to give the full concession asked for. I hope that the Question and answer to-day will help a little to remove the difficulty.

88. Mr. Lipson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount received in Purchase Tax, for the last recorded date, on presents sent by troops overseas to their relatives in this country.

Mr. Assheton

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Mr. Lipson

Is it not a fact that the amount received is infinitesimal compared with the revenue the Chancellor receives, and will he not at least consult the Secretary of State for War in view of the feeling in the Army on the matter, to see whether it is worth while?

Mr. Assheton

I tried to make it clear, in answer to a previous Question, that it was not the amount involved which was the principal difficulty, but the control of imports to this country.