HC Deb 03 December 1963 vol 685 cc956-7
10. Mr. John Hall

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for stimulating the growth of the furniture industry.

Mr. Green

The steady growth of the economy, which it has been the object of the Government's measures to promote, is the best way of stimulating the growth of industry generally, including the furniture industry. I have been glad to see from recent figures that the level of unemployment in the furniture industry has fallen well below the national average and that the value of orders on hand has increased.

Mr. Hall

Is my hon. Friend aware that, although in September and October there was a welcome increase in the sales of furniture, nevertheless sales for the nine months to date have been rather Jess than they were in the same period last year? Is he not aware that before a house can become a home it must be furnished? In that case would he agree that to make a reality of the Government's housing programme furniture should be treated as a necessity of life and Purchase Tax removed?

Mr. Green

I do not think that my hon. Friend will expect me to comment on the latter part of his supplementary question at this moment in time. He will be glad to know, in view of the first part of his supplementary question, that orders on hand for the industry in September were the highest monthly figure for a few years at £14.1 million.

Mrs. Slater

While it is appreciated that the hon. Gentleman cannot make a statement about the Budget, may I ask whether he is aware that there have been occasions when Purchase Tax reliefs have been given in between Budgets? In view of the need for people, as the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr. John Hall) said, to have a home as well as a house, and of what has taken place in the industry, will the Chancellor consider making an early announcement about the removal of Purchase Tax on furniture?

Mr. Green

My right hon. Friend is a man with great capacity for consideration but I do not think that I should set a precedent by saying "Yes" or "No" at Question Time to a supplementary question of this nature.