§ 33. Mr. David Rentonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that air beds carry Purchase Tax, even when bought for use by Red Cross medical units assisting in the health service; and whether he will consult with the 2008 Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to securing a rebate of the tax in suitable cases.
§ Mr. BevanThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir," and to the second part "No, Sir."
§ Mr. RentonIs the right hon. Gentlement aware that the National Health Service Act invokes the aid of a number of voluntary bodies? Is it sensible that the Government should penalise with a heavy Purchase Tax the part which can be played by those voluntary bodies? Will he look into the matter further?
§ Mr. BevanIt would be extremely difficult to make a distinction between the worth-whileness of one voluntary body against another by rebatement of Purchase Tax. The present system is much simpler. Any multiplication of it would require a lot of form-filling.