§ 19. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked 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. ShawcrossI 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. MacMillanIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that it is agreed 2493 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. ShawcrossI understand that the annual rate of stamping so far this year is very little different from the actual total during 1950.