§ 48. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will waive the payment of Purchase Tax to the extent of 25s. levied by him on a parcel containing one table-cloth and a number of table-napkins to the value of £1 17s. 6d. sent to a lady, particulars of whom have been furnished to him, by her husband, serving in the Royal Canadian Navy.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. A general concession for gifts would mean unfair discrimination in favour of imports, besides opening the door to abuse, and I cannot make individual exceptions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what abuse would follow from permitting small gifts of this sort to be sent by husbands to their wives in this country?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt could not be limited to gifts sent by husbands to wives, but would very easily open the door to a large importation of goods by post.