§ 32. Dr. Strossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has noted the improvement in the pottery industry for 1326 the year 1957 as compared with 1956; and whether he will give urgent consideration to the crippling effect of 60 per cent. Purchase Tax on ornamental pottery.
§ Mr. SimonI have indeed been pleased to note this improvement, but the hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.
§ Dr. StrossIs it not true that this partial but very welcome improvement cannot be dissociated from the fact that there was a remission of Purchase Tax from 30 per cent. to 15 per cent.? In view of the fact that the heaviest competition from abroad which this industry faces in Britain is in ornamental pottery, may we not have at some time or other, and as soon as possible, some remission of this tax?
§ Mr. SimonIn view of my answer, the safest thing I can do is to refer the hon. Member to a reply which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade gave to him on 12th November.