HC Deb 20 January 1953 vol 510 cc13-4
14. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Purchase Tax received from the sale of braille playing cards for the half year to 30th September.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I regret that there is no official information on this.

Sir D. Robertson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have been told by the national society that does such good work for the blind that they entirely control the distribution of these cards so that they cannot get into unauthorised hands, and that because of this Purchase Tax contributions on which the tax has been paid are being used to meet the Purchase Tax, as otherwise the blind people could not buy the cards? Does he not think that the tax should be removed immediately so as to help people who are already heavily handicapped in life?

Mr. Butler

I cannot make any further statement on the removal or non-removal of the tax, but I will examine all the evidence which my hon. Friend sends me.

23. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take an early opportunity of abolishing Purchase Tax on the sale of braille playing cards.

Mr. R. A. Butler

At the time when the tax becomes due, these are ordinary playing cards. The braille indices are added later, and I fear I could not give these cards special relief on that account.

Brigadier Medlicott

Would the Chancellor, whose human qualities are well established, look sympathetically at the abolition of Purchase Tax not only on this item but on other similar items which bring comfort or help to the disabled?

Mr. Butler

Yes, I am in the habit of reviewing all these things at this time of the year.

Forward to