HC Deb 16 May 1957 vol 570 c560
28. Mr. Jay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that Purchase Tax reductions in the recent Budget are being passed on to the public in price reductions.

Mr. Powell

None, Sir.

Mr. Jay

If the Financial Secretary is doing nothing, can he at least assure the House that these reductions have in all cases been passed on in full to the consumer?

Mr. Powell

Purchase Tax is one of the factors which determines the price of retail goods on which it is levied, and in so far as it affects the price, that factor has been reduced by the reduction in Purchase Tax.

Mr. Jay

Would the hon. Member answer the Question? Can he assure us that these reliefs have been passed on in full?

Mr. Powell

The hon. Member asked me whether the Government propose to take steps for practical purposes of price control, and I said, "No."