HC Deb 27 February 1958 vol 583 cc530-1
31. Mr. Dodds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in order to give a lead in a special effort to reduce the cost of living, if he will take action to make a significant reduction in the duty on petrol and oil.

Mr. Simon

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Dodds

That is the Answer one could expect, but will the hon. and learned Gentleman state whether the Government will try, sooner or later, to reduce the cost of living? Will not he agree, there being a tax of 2s. 6d. a gallon on petrol, that one of the biggest items in reducing the cost of living would be, let us say, 6d. taken off the tax? Are they considering it?

Mr. Simon

It is, of course, as the hon. Gentleman rightly says, part of the Government's policy to reduce the standard of living—

Hon. Members

Hear, hear. Resign.

Mr. Simon

I apologise to the House. That is the second time today. I meant to say "reduce the cost of living". I cannot anticipate the Budget statement.

Mr. Jay

Is not this the first truthful answer we have had from the Government Benches for many weeks?

Mr. Peyton

Is it not a rather strange and notable thing that the greatest triumph the Opposition have had for some time was caused by a mere slip of the tongue?