HC Deb 21 April 1959 vol 604 cc194-5
6. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenue is obtained by the Purchase Tax on deep sea fishermen's protective clothing.

Mr. Amory

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Jeger

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's Department analyse the Purchase Tax receipts? Otherwise, how does he know whether a particular Purchase Tax is remunerative or not? May it not be that the cost of collecting the Purchase Tax on deep sea fishermen's oilskins and sea boots is far greater than the revenue which the right hon. Gentleman receives from the tax? Will he not consider abolishing this Purchase Tax?

Mr. Amory

I could not possibly carry out the kind of analysis which the hon. Gentleman has indicated. A vast staff would be required.