HC Deb 12 February 1953 vol 511 cc594-5
46 and 47. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, in view of the fact that hammers, screwdrivers and similar tools are free of tax, he will also relieve scissors under 8 inches and bent shank scissors and tailors' scissors, irrespective of size

(2) whether, in view of the fact that there is no Purchase Tax on cups, saucers, plates and dishes, he will release the cutlery trade from Purchase Tax on knives, forks and spoons.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestions, but he will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Roberts

Would my hon. Friend convey to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer the feeling of injustice in the cutlery trade in Sheffield because of these anomalies? Does he not realise that the removal of these anomalies will help production in the cutlery trade? If he will convey those remarks to his right hon. Friend we in Sheffield will be obliged

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will gladly convey to my right hon. Friend what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Mulley

While we appreciate that the Financial Secretary cannot anticipate the Budget statement, may I ask if he would receive a deputation from the manufacturers of Sheffield to state the case, so that he can have all the information available before the Budget statement is framed? Would he ask his right hon. Friend to consider that request?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My right hon. Friend and I receive a substantial number of deputations, and if an application is made in the normal way we shall do our best to fit it in.

55. Mr. Mulley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of unemployment in the cutlery and silverware industries, the harmful effect on design and production and consequential hindrance to exports and its uneven incidence and many anomalies, particulars of which have been sent to him, he will immediately reduce the Purchase Tax on cutlery, spoons and forks, and table hollow-ware.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir, but my right hon. Friend will bear these considerations in mind when he is preparing his Budget proposals.