HC Deb 28 March 1957 vol 567 c1324
23. Mr. Dodds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in order to stagger the rush of weddings that take place in March so as to claim Income Tax relief for the whole of the financial year, if he will give consideration to extending the period for three months during which the same relief can be obtained by those who prefer April, May, or June for the honey moon period or, alternatively, to allowing rebate of tax for twelve months prior to marriage whenever it takes place.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. 3. Enoch Powell)

No, Sir.

Mr. Dodds

But is not a spark of romance left in the breasts of Treasury Ministers and officials to inspire them at least to try to do something for young people to enjoy the beginning of the matrimonial state? Is not the Minister aware of the difficulties expressed by clergymen who have to marry so many of these people with indecent haste, when it is their usual custom to have a talk with the couples before they get married?

Mr. Powell

I am aware of the difficulties to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but neither of his suggestions is a practicable way of removing them.