§ 42. Mr. Simmonsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give consideration to the removal of the 30 per cent. Purchase Tax on hollow-ware to assist the industry to maintain full employment in face of subsidised dumping by Eastern European countries and Western Germany.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanNo, Sir. I do not think such a step would be justified.
§ Mr. SimmonsIs the Chancellor aware that, since he imposed the tax last October, there has been considerable unemployment in the industry and considerable subsidised dumping? Will he reconsider this matter, for some very old employees of the industry are losing their jobs as a result of this?
§ Mr. MacmillanThat is another question. The question I was asked was whether, in view of the dumping of hollow-ware, I would consider altering this tax. We have no evidence such as that to which the hon. Member refers.