HC Deb 11 July 1950 vol 477 cc1136-7
43. Mr. Bossom

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax is payable on weed-killers, with particular reference to those with a petroleum ingredient.

Sir S. Cripps

Light hydrocarbon oil is subject to Customs Duty at the rate of 1s. 6d. a gallon or Excise Duty at 9d. a gallon, whether it is to be used as an ingredient of weed-killer or for other purposes. It is impossible to say what duty charges would be payable on weed-killers containing other ingredients in the absence of precise details of their composition. Weed-killers are not subject to Purchase Tax.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Ought weedkillers to be used at all? Is not the right remedy, according to the colleague of the right hon. and learned Gentleman, classes on the rule of law?