§ 61. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the increased price of raw materials doubly reflected in proportional increases in Purchase Tax have forced, and are forcing, high quality shoemakers to shut up shop; and whether, with a view to preserving craftsmanship in this trade, he will consider the abolition of a tax which affects less than 1 per cent. of the whole trade's output.
§ Mr. JayMy right hon. Friend has received various representations about the effect of Purchase Tax on sales of high-class non-utility goods, including footwear, and will consider these in the next review of the tax.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is precisely in this class of footwear that we have the biggest chance of securing a market in the United States of America?