§ 35. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the nature of the official inquiries which are being made into alleged black market practices and evasion of Purchase Tax in the jewellery trade; and when he expects the inquiries to be completed.
§ Mr. YatesWill the right hon. Gentleman read a letter which appeared in the Birmingham Post this morning which was written by a reputable manufacturer? It alleges that this practice is widespread and suggests that black markets are damaging the export firms. Will the Chancellor consult other firms and the British Jewellers' Association, in which there are more than 2,000 firms which could give him valuable information?
Mr. AmoryI will read the letter to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I repeat what I said last week, that suggestions are not good enough. We want specific evidence which can be investigated. I assure the hon. Member that when I receive such evidence I will have the most careful and thorough investigations made.