§ 57. Mr. Geoffrey Hirstasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant deaf people similar facilities for obtaining television sets as are now granted to blind people in the case of wireless sets so that there is equality in treatment as regards relief from Purchase Tax.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe degree of dependence of the blind upon the wireless is unique, as was recognised on all sides of the House when special relief from Purchase Tax on wireless sets was granted to them. Their exceptional position has also been accepted in the granting of free wireless licences, and in the special treatment accorded to them on pensions. In the circumstances, I cannot agree to extend similar treatment to deaf persons in respect of television sets.
§ Mr. HirstDoes not the Chancellor appreciate that the people who are totally deaf feel that they are suffering from an affliction which is equally handicapping as the loss of sight to those who are blind? Surely there is a case in reasonable justice for totally deaf people to have some facilities for obtaining television sets through some system as is now in operation to enable the blind to get wireless sets? Will not the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again in a more sympathetic attitude?
§ Mr. GaitskellI have looked at it, and we all have sympathy with these totally deaf people, but I am bound to say that I cannot put their claims above those of many other categories of people, including bed-ridden persons and others, who might have an equal claim to exemption if we were to give it to the deaf.