§ Mr. Gaitskell(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the information sent to him regarding a possible Budget leakage, and what action he is proposing to take.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. R. A. Butler)Yes, Sir. My attention has been called by the right hon. Gentleman to an advertisement in the "Yorkshire Evening News" of 14th April last. This advertisement included the words:
Only 36 working days to the Coronation. Now that Mr. Butler has told you about P.T."—that is, Purchase Tax—you should order your T.V."—that is, television—for the Coronation immediately and avoid disappointment.Prima facie this advertisement would appear to cover any eventuality, whether the tax had been raised, lowered, or left as it was. It does not, therefore, seem to imply prior knowledge of the Budget contents. Nevertheless, I am looking into this matter at once and will inform the right hon. Gentleman in due course.
§ Mr. GaitskellI am obliged.