Charities (Purchase Tax)

HC Deb 28 February 1967 vol 742 cc266-7

35. Mr. Tilney

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will reduce the Purchase Tax on Christmas cards sold by registered charities.

Mr. Diamond

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Mr. Pounder) on 21st February.—[Vol. 741, c. 241.]

Mr. Tilney

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the more money he takes away from charities, thus preventing them from helping themselves, the more likely it is that his colleagues in other Ministries will ask for money from the Treasury?

Mr. Diamond

It is for that reason that the Government have been outstanding in their help to charities, both in removing them from the effects of the Selective Employment Tax and in being the first Government to establish the position of charities in relation to the Corporation Tax?

Mr. Tilney

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.