HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 cc979-80
6. Mr. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of his official announcement on 1st July, 1958, that many British exports would be easier to sell if they were better packed, he will make a special investigation into the difficulties which at present face the important export trade of the toilet preparations industry in this connection, having special regard to the incidence of Purchase Tax on the packages of cosmetics and toilet preparations including notably aerosols, as well as the contents.

Sir D. Eccles

The toilet preparations industry which maintains a high standard of packaging has done well in exports. The question of Purchase Tax on the packages is for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In my field I am not aware of any problems which would justify a special investigation.

Mr. Nabarro

Does my right hon. Friend recall that six months ago his Department undertook to discuss this matter carefully with the Chancellor of the Exchequer? Although this industry has done well in the export field, is not it a fact that the potential available to it overseas is many times greater than its present exports? Will my right hon. Friend take up this matter again with the Chancellor with a view to separating the Purchase Tax on the packages from the contents, as it has never been our policy to try to tax packages together with the contents?

Sir D. Eccles

I saw the exhibition of the packaging industry the other day and noticed that it is making special efforts. As regards the Purchase Tax, my hon. Friend will, I think, have to leave that for some time.

Mr. Nabarro

I am very disappointed with that answer.