HC Deb 24 April 1951 vol 487 cc211-2
62. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the withdrawal of the initial allowance for Income Tax purposes will apply to agricultural machinery and equipment.

47. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the suspension of the initial allowance for industrial equipment applies to agriculture.

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, Sir.

Brigadier Medlicott

The Chancellor will remember saying, in regard to the withdrawal of the allowance from the shipbuilding industry, that there was a case for looking at the matter again. Is there not a strong case for looking at the matter from the point of view of agriculture, in view of the present importance of our food supplies?

Mr. Gaitskell

No, Sir, I could not agree that there is any close analogy between those two cases.

Mr. Butcher

Was this matter taken into consideration in the annual price review?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am not quite sure. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have notice of that question.

Mr. Nabarro

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that the initial allowances for Income Tax purposes are also withdrawn from commercial vehicles used for agricultural purposes?

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, they are withdrawn from the beginning of the fiscal year 1952–53 from all industry and agriculture.

Brigadier Medlicott

If the Chancellor does not feel able to look at the matter now, will he look at it again at the time of next year's price review?