HC Deb 12 May 1964 vol 695 cc204-5
13. Mr. Hannan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an approximate estimate of the cost of making an Income Tax concession in favour of the physically and mentally handicapped and for incontinent patients for renewal of clothing limited to a maximum of £20 per year.

Mr. Green

I regret that I cannot provide an estimate of the cost.

Mr. Hannan

While appreciating the hon. Gentleman's difficulty in this matter, may I ask whether he does not agree that this type of patient suffers financial hardship in respect of the extra cost of wearing apparel and bedclothes? Will he ask his right hon. Friend to give this matter earnest and serious consideration before the Committee stage of the Finance Bill?

Mr. Green

I am sure that my right hon. Friend, sitting next to me, has heard what has been said. I know that the hon. Member will appreciate that however sympathetic one may be, and ought to be, with these cases of disability, it is frightfully difficult to draw the line and to be sure that one has drawn it at a point where one can keep it without being unfair to other people who may be similarly circumstanced.