HC Deb 08 May 1952 vol 500 cc544-5
40. Mr. Barnett fanner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Messrs. Kirby and West, Dairymen, Leicester, who fitted windows on each side of their 8 h.p. Ford van to ensure greater safety on the roads by enabling the driver to see through the sides of the van, have been requested to pay Purchase Tax of 66⅔ per cent. of value of the vehicle plus the cost of the work done; and whether he will instruct his tax inspectors to withdraw this request so that vehicle owners shall not be discouraged from taking such safety precautions.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am having inquiries made into this matter, and I will communicate with the hon. Member later.

Mr. Janner

In the event of the inquiry resulting in the information which I have had, namely, that if they had not put the windows in there would be no tax and now that they have put the windows in they cannot remove them because they would still have to pay the tax, will the hon. Gentleman see that this ridiculous position is cleared up by whatever means are possible?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That question contains three hypotheses; but I am looking into the matter, and I will communicate with the hon. Gentleman as soon as I can.