HC Deb 06 April 1965 vol 710 cc288-9
Mr. Callaghan

In selecting my tax measures to raise the revenue I have kept three considerations in mind. First, it would be shortsighted to select industrial production for particular damping down as this would affect and interfere with the expansion that we wish to see. Secondly, I have sought to avoid action that would blight the prospects of the development districts which need continuing encouragement in order that they may absorb their unused margin of manpower and resources. Thirdly, I have tried to avoid taxing necessities, although I realise that there will be a difference of view about what constitutes a necessity. This limits my range of options very considerably.

Perhaps I may say, in passing, that I have been much obliged to all those who have sent me suggestions for raising the revenue. Alas, most of those frequently suggested, such as taxing one-armed bandits and bingo, would not raise the revenue I need. To use an old Welsh collier's phrase, they are no more than "chips in broth".

As for betting generally, I am not proposing to introduce a new duty this year. I know that there is a great deal of feeling that all betting and other forms of gambling should be subject to taxation; but, like my predecessors, I have found great difficulty with this matter. I shill continue to work on the idea; but I am particularly anxious that if we are to have a comprehensive tax it should be levied in such a way as to ensure that avoidance on a significant scale would not occur, and so bring the tax into disrepute.

And so I come to my remaining proposals.