§ 10. Mr. Worsleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a comprehensive inquiry into the treatment by Revenue authorities in the European Economic Community of replacements of plant and machinery, with a view to making in his next Budget provision to ensure that British manufacturers are in no worse situation in this respect than those of Common Market countries.
§ Mr. BarberI have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion for the Budget, although the information I have does not suggest that our system of allowances for new plant and machinery compares unfavourably with the tax allowances in the Common Market countries.
§ Mr. WorsleyWill my hon. Friend look at this matter more carefully? There is a feeling in industry that in many cases our Continental competitors are much more favourably treated. Will he please look at the matter again?
§ Mr. BarberAs this is a complicated matter, the best thing I can do is to write to my hon. Friend giving him details which, I hope he will agree, support what I said in my Answer.