§ 43. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to announce any change in the Purchase Tax chargeable on quilts, with particular reference to blanket-quilted quilts, in view of the representations that have been made to him.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend has been into this question very carefully but is of the opinion as a result that no case has been established for treating quilts differently from other goods under the D scheme. The cheaper varieties are now free of tax and the more expensive bear a tax which is not excessive in relation to their cost.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this will cause very real disappointment to many firms all over the country who are waiting upon this decision to decide whether to carry on business, and that it will have a serious effect upon employment in certain factories in some of the old distressed areas?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Member's view is, I think, a trifle pessimistic.