HC Deb 08 August 1966 vol 733 cc1007-8
46. Mr. Holland

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will ensure by administrative means that all businesses and industrial organisations which employ persons for purposes connected with the health of their employees will obtain a refund in full of any Selective Employment Tax paid in respect of such persons.

Mr. Gunter

If a particular establishment qualifies for premium or for refund of tax, repayment will be made in respect of persons employed for purposes connected with the health of the employees in that establishment. Most, if not all, industrial establishments employing such persons full time are likely to be in this position.

Mr. Holland

Would not the Minister agree that, for example, industrial nurses are equally necessary, whether employed in the manufacturing, construction or service industries? Would he not think it a little anomalous if some employers were encouraged to employ them, while others were discouraged from employing them?

Mr. Gunter

I can only say that the number of persons to whom he refers would be small compared with the total. I agree that the minority must also be looked after, but I can only say that I shall administer the measure as it is.

54. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Labour what estimate he has made of the likely increase in the cost of processed wastepaper as a result of the operation of the Selective Employment Tax.

Mr. Gunter

It is not possible to estimate this.

Mr. Allason

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this tax would mean a significant increase in the cost of waste paper, which the Government have accepted as being a very necessary raw material for industry? Is he, therefore, proud of his position of putting a tax on this raw material for industry?

Mr. Gunter

I do not know quite what to say to the last part of that supplementary question. Quite a number of figures have been brought out of the cost of the tax on processed waste paper. Whether or not those figures are accurate I would not say, but some of the information I have leads me to believe that it is nothing like the amount some employers are stating.