§ 22. Mr. Leslieasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps those engaged in the handloom tweed industry in Shetland should take to establish craft centres, with a view to their product being freed from Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. H. WilsonMy hon, Friend presumably has in mind the scheme which was announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 30th July and 19th November, 1948, under which the Crafts Centre of Great Britain makes payments to offset Purchase Tax in the case of certain categories of hand-produced goods which reach the highest standards of original design and craftsmanship. Products of the Shetland handloom tweed industry which comply with all the conditions of this scheme, would be eligible for the relief. The question of the establishment of further craft centres does not, therefore, arise in connection with this scheme.
§ Mr. LeslieIs there any other way of safeguarding this Shetland industry from elimination? Is it not well known that this heavy Purchase Tax has meant idle looms?
§ Mr. WilsonIf it is a question of Purchase Tax then it is one which should be put to my right hon and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I would remind my hon. Friend that in addition to the export outlet for this industry, as I have said, the Shetland industry can take advantage of the scheme of which I have just given the details.
Mr. VaneCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that no special favour is being given to Scotland, and that similar tweed made in the North of England is similarly favourably treated?
§ Mr. WilsonI can certainly confirm that every single case put to the Crafts Centre is judged on its merits in terms of craftsmanship and not in terms of district of origin.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes the procedure to which my right hon. Friend has just referred apply to places other than those he has mentioned where small handlooms are being stamped out of existence by this tax? I refer to Paisley and the City of Edinburgh.
§ Mr. MacLeodIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great disturbance caused by the fact that the members of this Crafts Centre get exemption from tax while those at other small centres, while making equally high-class hand-woven goods, are not getting exemption?
§ Mr. WilsonThis Question relates to Shetland, but if the hon. Gentleman will put a Question down about other centres I shall be glad to try to answer it.