HC Deb 12 November 1953 vol 520 cc1138-9
41. Captain Orr

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is yet in a position to make the changes in the Purchase Tax D levels requested by the hon. Member for Down, South on behalf of the Irish Linen Guild and the Irish Linen Merchants' Association.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir. But I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that this matter is being carefully examined and will be borne in mind when the D scheme is reviewed.

Captain Orr

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter has been closely examined since the last Finance Bill and that the industry is becoming very impatient?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I appreciate the interest of the industry in Northern Ireland in the matter, but one of the issues in question is the competitive position of these fabrics as against other fabrics. Obviously, one has to weigh one against the other rather carefully.