§ 5. Mrs. Mannasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Purchase Tax uplifted on renewals of 10-inch, 11-inch, and 12-inch cathode-ray tubes; and, in view of the heavy cost of these renewals, if he will eliminate this tax.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe tax amounts to £3 18s. 0d. on the standard 10-inch tube, and £4 13s. 8d. on the 12-inch. I understand that 11inches is not a standard size. I will bear in mind the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mrs. MannWill the right hon. Gentleman bear also in mind that "Big Brother" 1859 in the Post Office takes another £3 while the right hon. Gentleman takes more than £4 arising out of the misfortunes of people whose sets require repair? Whilst the trade has been referred to the Commission, should not the right hon. Gentleman be referred to the police along with Ali Baba and the other 39?
§ Mr. ButlerI will discuss all the implications of the hon. Lady's remark with my noble Friend the Postmaster-General.
§ Mr. WoodburnHas the right hon. Gentleman seen what is alleged to be the exorbitant price charged in this country for these tubes? Could he not get the price reduced, which would also reduce the tax?
§ Mr. ButlerI am dealing only with the tax in answer to this Question.