HC Deb 03 December 1959 vol 614 cc1349-50
3. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer having regard to trade dislocation expected in the first quarter of 1960 as in earlier years, due to buyers holding off purchasing articles in the shops subject to Purchase Tax in anticipation of Purchase Tax reductions in the April Budget, whether he will make an announcement concerning Purchase Tax reductions or abolition affecting any or all of the articles concerned, on 1st January, 1960.

Mr. Barber

No, Sir.

Mr. Nabarro

Is that the conclusive and final statement from the Treasury? Is my hon. Friend's reply to be inter- preted to mean that there will not be any announcement of any description in connection with Purchase Tax reductions—I repeat "reductions"—until April, 1960, when the Chancellor brings in his Budget?

Mr. Barber

The Answer which I gave, which was "No, Sir", was very carefully considered.

Mr. Nabarro

Was it conclusive and final?