HC Deb 23 January 1951 vol 483 cc28-9
50. Squadron Leader Burden

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the recent 20 per cent. increase in the wholesale price index and the pegging of retail cash margins, he will review Purchase Tax rates so as to insulate the cost of living against increased Purchase Tax due to rises in commodity prices.

51. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider remitting the Purchase Tax on shinty sticks.

Mr. Gaitskell

I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

Squadron Leader Burden

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see what can be done about this in the forthcoming Budget, because if it is possible to peg cash margins it should be possible to peg Purchase Tax and assist in keeping down the cost of living?

Mr. Gaitskell

The hon. and gallant Member can be assured that we shall take everything into account.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the old Highland game of shinty, when pursued with its customary vigour, often involves the breaking of a number of sticks, and that the high cost of replacement has the danger of impairing this vigour, and will not he take steps to reconsider the matter so that he does not emasculate this game?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for the information, and I can assure him that whatever my decision, it will not be with the intention of emasculating a Scottish game.