54. Mr. Rupert De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government can now give consideration to the removal of the Purchase Tax from all household and manufactured goods, with the exception of luxury articles.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIt is difficult to define luxury articles in such a manner as would be generally acceptable, and in addition to that there is the need for revenue. My right hon. Friend will, of course, be considering this and other taxes before the Budget.
Mr. De la BéreIs my hon. Friend aware of the sweet reasonableness of my request? Would it not be possible to do something to remove the Purchase Tax from the necessities of everyday life?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterMy hon. Friend will appreciate that this and other matters have to be taken into account in connection with the general financial arrangements of the year. I will ensure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is apprised of what my right hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. I. MikardoWill the Financial Secretary be good enough to send a copy of his reply to the Question to my opponent in the recent Election, who is reported as having given a categorical undertaking that the removal of Purchase Tax would be the very first act of a Conservative Government?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. It is no part of the policy of this Government to indulge in the despatch of unnecessary publications.