HC Deb 31 January 1957 vol 563 cc1155-6
27. Miss Burton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the serious position in the motor car industry at the present time, he is now prepared to reconsider his previous decision not to lift altogether, or to reduce, the Purchase Tax on cars as a special temporary measure to help the industry in its present difficulties.

Mr. Powell

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer to the Question by the hon. Member for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman) on this subject on 22nd January.

Miss Burton

That followed an Answer given to me on 11th December when the Answer was the same; it was "No". Does the hon. Member not realise, whether or not this is a good suggestion, that it is time that the Government had a positive suggestion to put forward for helping us, particularly in Coventry, where the position has got worse week by week? Can the hon. Gentleman add at all to his Answer?

Mr. Powell

The hon. Lady is evidently herself in doubt about whether this is a good suggestion, and my right hon. Friend's opinion is that it is not.