HC Deb 19 December 1957 vol 580 c578
2. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present approximate net yield, respectively, in respect of Purchase Tax on motor cars and commercial vehicle chassis.

Mr. Powell

It is £94 million and £12½ million respectively for the twelve months to 30th September, 1957.

Mr. Nabarro

Is my hon. Friend aware that the commercial vehicles' chassis is the only case of the Purchase Tax being made applicable to industrial capital goods? Would it not be just about as sensible to impose the Purchase Tax on a railway locomotive or a railway wagon—or a freighter aircraft—as it is ridiculous to put it on the chassis of a goods vehicle on our roads?

May I have an answer?

Mr. Blackburn

Could the Financial Secretary say how the figure of yield of Purchase Tax on motor cars compares with the loss to the Exchequer as a result of motor cars ranking as a business expenditure?

Mr. Powell

Not without notice.

Mr. Nabarro

May I have an answer to my supplementary now, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I cannot make a Minister answer if he does not want to.

Mr. Nabarro

A jolly bad show, all the same.