HC Deb 05 April 1955 vol 539 cc989-90
33. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the communication concerning Purchase Tax from R. Hayward, Esquire, 6, Palmerston Road, Forest Gate, E.15, forwarded to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North; and what action he proposes to take thereon.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have written to the hon. Member about this matter.

Mr. Lewis

May I thank the Chancellor for his courteous reply, but point out that he has not really dealt with the point at issue, which is that the Ministry of Transport has requested all motor cyclists to wear crash helmets? Does not he think that it would be right for him to take off the Purchase Tax, as it does not mean much to him in any event and it is acting as a deterrent to motor cyclists?

Mr. Butler

I am aware from my correspondence of the anxieties of motor cyclists, but I cannot go further and say any more about Purchase Tax today.

34. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenue has been collected from the Purchase Tax on crash helmets during the last 12 months.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Williams

In view of the great advantage of having big sales of crash helmets because they help to reduce injury in accidents, will my right hon. Friend consider removing the Purchase Tax from them in the forthcoming Budget?

Mr. Butler

I have to consider a great many matters just about now.

35. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will, as soon as practicable, bring in an order regrouping silverware for the purposes of Purchase Tax to bring it more into line with cutlery, to which it is closely allied.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am bearing this suggestion in mind in connection with the other representations made by the silverware and cutlery industries about the tax.

Mr. Roberts

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is vitally necessary that something should be done for this industry in view of the craftsmanship, which has a great reputation, and which we hope to keep alive in Sheffield?

Mr. Butler

Something has been done already by this benign Administration, but I realise that there are still difficulties.