§ 49. Mr. Heathcoat Amoryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the removal of Purchase Tax on housewives' overalls.
§ Sir S. CrippsI cannot anticipate my Budget Statement, but I would point out that Utility overalls are already exempt from tax.
§ 50. Sir T. Mooreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present estimated revenue from the Purchase Tax levied upon medicines, drugs, disinfectants, toothbrushes and toothpaste and all other items necessary which promote hygiene and the maintenance of health; and whether he will reconsider the position with regard to taxation of such goods before the National Health Act is brought into force.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am not sure precisely what range of items the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, but receipts of Purchase Tax from medicines, drugs, disinfectants, toothbrushes and toothpaste are estimated to be in the region of £15 million a year. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes."