§ 62. Mr. Hurdasked the Economic Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the issue of maps depicting the war achievements of the English counties has been interrupted and the production of the Berkshire map suspended by the imposition of Purchase Tax at the rate of 100 per cent.; and if he will take immediate steps to free these productions from Purchase Tax.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the pictorial maps published by "The Countryman." I have carefully considered this case but regret that I cannot see my way to single out these articles for 1382 immediate relief from Purchase Tax. The publishers have been told, however, that the matter will be considered when the whole field of Purchase Tax comes up for review in connection with next year's Budget.
§ Mr. HurdAs they have hitherto been produced for the benefit of charitable funds and the Women's Land Army, and it is merely a matter of interpretation of regulations and not of fiscal policy, cannot the Minister give the necessary instructions to put it right now?
§ Mr. JayWe shall bear these arguments in mind when reviewing these facts before the Budget of next year.