§ 39. Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Purchase Tax is charged on a patent fastener for fitted carpets and not on the sewn-on rings.
§ Mr. DiamondFasteners designed for fixing carpets to the floor are liable to Purchase Tax as hardware and ironmongery of a kind used for domestic or office purposes. But the charge does not extend to general purpose rings and washers.
§ Mr. BarnettIs the Chief Secretary aware that, despite his reply, it seems idiotic to many people that, at a time of great labour shortage, a labour-saving device of this description should be taxable, while the ring sewn on is tax 1079 free? Will he be good enough to look at it again?
§ Mr. DiamondI have looked at it. I am aware of what my hon. Friend has said, and I hope he will permit me to add that I am also aware of the fact that any hon. Member sitting in my hon. Friend's place, or thereabouts, is likely to get a similar response to a similar Question.