§ 20. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the large number of Purchase Tax anomalies in jewellery; why ladies' brooches are rated differently from tie pins; and whether he will examine such anomalies.
§ Mr. SimonAs the House knows, my right hon. Friend is examining alleged anomalies in Purchase Tax, and he will bear the hon. Member's points in mind.
§ Mr. YatesWhile thanking the Minister for that answer, may I point out that there are very many anomalies in this matter? I should be glad if the Minister looked at such examples as two identical brooches, one free of tax and the other carrying 60 per cent. tax, the only difference being that there is a safety cap on one and not on the other.
§ 21. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Purchase Tax officers are engaged in connection with the jewellery industry; and how many complaints have been made to them concerning the alleged black market activities and evasion of Purchase Tax in that industry.
§ Mr. SimonCustoms and Excise officers deal with Purchase Tax work in relation to jewellery along with other duties, and the information sought could only be obtained with disproportionate effort and expense.
§ Mr. YatesHas not the Chancellor of the Exchequer accused the whole of The jewellery industry of a conspiracy of silence, in spite of the fact that hundreds of complaints have been made to Purchase Tax officers? Is it not reasonable that something more expeditious should be done to meet these very large number of complaints which must have been made to Purchase Tax officers from time to time?
§ Mr. SimonWhat my right hon. Friend said was that it was no use making general complaints but that what was needed is specific complaints which can be investigated.
§ 22. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to report on the case of the copying of a design by Messrs. Hill and Company, fashion jewellery manufacturers, in Birmingham.
§ Mr. YatesHe has, but is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it is quite unsatisfactory and that this firm, which has been making complaints now over many months, has made another complaint about the copying of a design of an article which is now being sold by another firm in Birmingham at a price which obviously has evaded tax? Is it not reasonable that some speedy action should be taken in these matters?
§ Mr. SimonInvestigations into the allegations relating to Birmingham showed that tax had been paid. As to the copying of the design, I would ask the hon. Member to put a Question to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.