§ 14. Sir Harmer Nichollsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department last inquired into the advantages which would result from a tax concession scheme with a view to improving United Kingdom export earnings.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThis matter has been thoroughly reconsidered since I became Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) on 14th February.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsIs not my right hon. and learned Friend disconcerted at the small number of firms who are actively engaged in the export business, and would it not appear prima facie that unless something concrete such as this is offered as an inducement we shall not get the proportion improved upon?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware of the difficulties that small firms have when entering into difficult export markets. The trouble about the suggestion of a special tax concession to exporters is, first of all, the difficulty of administering it, and, secondly, that it is contrary to international undertakings which we have given, and if we start, our competitors will also start, and a race in export taxes will not suit us in these matters.