HC Deb 20 May 1953 vol 515 cc2215-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Jay

This is a general Clause on Purchase Tax on which it would be possible to have a general debate about that tax. It was our intention to have such a debate, but as I think it is the general wish of the Committee to terminate this discussion shortly we do not propose to press the matter now, on the understanding that the whole issue of Purchase Tax can be fully debated on Clause 9. at a later stage.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. R. Maudling)

This Clause gives effect to the First Schedule, and deals with the point of electrically propelled vehicles. I gather that it is the general wish that the discussion on Purchase Tax should be postponed until after the Whitsun holiday. By passing this Clause the Committee will not in any way prejudice the subsequent discussion.

Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Lipton (Brixton)

I should like to make it clear be- yond a peradventure that I hope to raise certain matters in connection with the proposed abolition of Purchase Tax on London taxi-cabs. If it is clear that certain pleading about that can be raised on consideration of the next Clause I shall be only too pleased to defer what I have to say until then.

Mr. Niall Macpherson (Dumfries)

May I take it that the fact that we approve this Clause now will not prevent Amendments to the First Schedule when we come to it?

The Deputy-Chairman

Certainly.

Mr. Maudling

The point about London taxi-cabs can be dealt with on the First Schedule.

Captain Robert Ryder (Merton and Morden)

Shall we have an opportunity to discuss Purchase Tax on gas water-heaters at a subsequent stage? If not, perhaps I could put my point now.

The Deputy-Chairman

It does not arise on this Clause.

Captain Ryder

I thought that this Clause dealt with the reduction of Purchase Tax on certain articles. I wanted to point out that the article to which I wish to call attention has been—

The Deputy-Chairman

If the articles are mentioned in the Schedule it is in order to discuss them. If they are not it is not in order.

Mr. Jay

Perhaps I might help by pointing out that that question will arise on one of the Amendments to Clause 9.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

To report Progress, and ask leave to sit again.—[Sir H. Butcher.]

Committee report Progress; to sit again Tomorrow.