23 and 24. CaptainOrr asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how soon he expects to be able to announce the placing of the D purchase tax levels for linen goods at 50 per cent. higher than those for other non-wool textiles;
§ (2) whether he will expedite his inquiries in the matter of the D purchase tax levels, in view of the urgency of fixing the new D levels for linen in time to prevent a recession of demand during the next four months.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI can only say that the subject is still under consideration.
§ Captain OrrDoes my right hon. Friend not realise that this subject has been under consideration since we had the last Finance Bill and that action on this matter will probably be the most important step which the Government can take towards relieving the very high level of unemployment in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. ButlerI am always aware of the problems of unemployment in Northern Ireland and in fact I recently had the opportunity of meeting the Northern Ireland Finance Minister; but I cannot give any further answer on this subject today.