HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 cc2492-3
19. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amount of Orb-mark stamped Harris tweed was produced in each of the years 1948, 1949 and 1950; and how much unstamped Harris tweed in 1950.

Sir H. Shawcross

I understand that 4,463 thousand yards were stamped in 1948, 4,101 thousand yards in 1949, and 3,780 thousand yards in 1950. As regards the last part of the Question, I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. MacMillan

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that it is agreed by almost all responsible quarters knowing anything about this industry that the 66⅔ per cent. rate of Purchase Tax is too heavy an incidence upon this industry? Is he also aware that it is one of the factors in the drop in production—the very serious drop in production—that is causing under employment and unemployment? Will he consult with the Treasury and others about this matter?

Sir H. Shawcross

I understand that the annual rate of stamping so far this year is very little different from the actual total during 1950.