§ 25. Mr. Hannanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the approximate yield of Purchase Tax on musical instruments, including gramophones, radio-gramophones, record players, and records, for the latest available year.
§ Mr. PowellNine and three quarter million pounds in the financial year 1956–57.
§ Mr. HannanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that less than £1 million, that is, one-tenth of this sum, is derived from instruments which are certainly not luxuries but are necessities for professional and amateur, and, more particularly, school orchestras? Since these are essential to education, will the hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend so that they may come to the stages of the Finance Bill firmly determined to abolish the tax?
§ Mr. PowellAs I stated in answer to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Itchen (Dr. King), who asked a similar question, my right hon. Friend has taken note of this point.