§ 29. Sir I. Fraserasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution was made towards our balance of payments by receipts from tourists from overseas in 1957; how much of this amount was earned in dollars; and how the total compares with previous years.
Mr. AmoryFigures for the whole of 1957 are not yet available. They will be published in the next Balance of Payments White Paper in April.
§ 30. Sir I. Fraserasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made with the general review of Purchase Tax incidence being undertaken by his Department; and whether he will instruct those engaged in it to pay special attention to tax levied on household goods which are essential to those engaged in catering for holidaymakers.
Mr. AmoryThese matters are under review, but my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.
§ Sir I. FraserNo, Sir, but when the answer to Question No. 29 becomes available, will not my right hon. Friend perhaps find that the tourist and hotel industries are our largest dollar earners? Will he bear in mind the fact that any help that he can give those industries will help him to earn more dollars next year?
Mr. AmoryYes. The hotel and catering industry is very important as a dollar earner, and in every other way, and I hope that when the figures are published, in the Balance of Payments White Paper they will make good reading.