HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc1121-2
47. Miss Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, in view of the removal of Purchase Tax from dental sticks in the interest of dental health, he refuses to remove tooth paste from the incidence of Purchase Tax on similar grounds.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed. The tax applies to dental sticks at the same rate as it does to tooth paste.

Miss Ward

I think my hon. Friend had better look at that again, because I saw the other day that dental sticks have been relieved of Purchase Tax, and I am delighted to know that tooth paste is going to be relieved of Purchase Tax. I thank my hon. Friend very much.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I should hate to obtain my hon. Friend's gratitude by false pretences.

Mr. Snow

When the hon. Gentleman is considering the removal of Purchase Tax on tooth paste, will he bear in mind the fraudulent claims of the so-called chlorophyl tooth paste and remember the current trade adage: Look at the goat upon the hill. He is filled with chlorophyl, And he stinks like nobody's business"?