§ 40. Dr. Strossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what requests he has received from the British Pottery Manufacturers Federation that he should abolish the 15 per cent. Purchase Tax on pottery; and whether, in view of unemployment and short-time working in north Staffordshire, he will abolish the tax without delay.
§ Mr. ErrollThe Federation recently wrote to my right hon. Friend and in reply he has assured it that he will keep in mind the information it sent. There is nothing I can add to that reply.
§ Dr. StrossCan the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend remember that the original imposition of the tax caused a great deal of harm and did not bring in the revenue which it was thought it would produce? Would not it be a good thing to abolish now a tax which was stupid and which did very little good but a great deal of harm?
§ Mr. ErrollI will convey what the hon. Member has said to my right hon. Friend.