17. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the fact that the cost of living is greatly affected by the tax on petrol and oil; and if he will consider the reduction of this tax for the next Budget.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerMy hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that a reduction of this tax would greatly help in reducing the cost of living?
§ Mr. ButlerI also realise that a reduction in any other tax would reduce the cost of living.
§ Mr. JayIn the interest of industrial peace, cannot the Chancellor give an undertaking now not to take any action in his Budget which will tend to raise living costs still further?
§ Mr. ButlerIt would be quite a good thing if the people involved realised that living costs have been kept stable for the best part of the past year.