HC Deb 03 March 1953 vol 512 cc190-1
41. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will reduce the Purchase Tax chargeable on photographic equipment in view of the serious handicap which the present tax imposes upon this most useful hobby.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

I have taken note of the hon. Member's suggestion, but he will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations to his right hon. Friend to take note of the very real hardships imposed on young people, whom I should have thought we were all anxious to encourage?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

All these considerations, of course, will be borne in mind.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Will the Minister bear in mind that in the sale of photographic materials, particularly Christmas cards, there are some very grave tax anomalies? Will he undertake to look at those?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

This Question relates to photographic equipment, and I think that Christmas cards are a very different question.