§ 18. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give favourable consideration in his Budget statement to tax relief in respect of payments, by way of fees, to independent schools.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy right hon. Friend will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion when he is reviewing the system of personal allowances and reliefs in connection with next year's Budget.
§ Mr. LewisSurely the Minister is aware that the easiest way to save these people's money would be to close down these independent schools and let their children go to the State schools? Is he also aware that if the Chancellor of the Exchequer does consider this, it will not benefit any of my constituents?
§ Mr. BrookeI can assure the hon. Member that the Chancellor will take everyone into consideration, including the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWill my hon. Friend not be deviated from his original statesmanlike answer by a partisan and unrepresentative supplementary by the hon. Gentleman opposite?
§ Mr. BrookeNothing will cause me to deviate: but the final decision will rest with my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. JayWill the Financial Secretary take note that such a suggestion would meet with a great deal of opposition?