§ 43. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Social Security what was the total amount of Selective Employment Tax collected in the period 5th September, 1966, to 1st January, 1967.
§ Miss HerbisonThe total amount paid into the Exchequer on account of Selective Employment Tax up to 1st January, 1967, was £320.4 million.
§ Mr. HallWill not the Minister agree that the collection of this enormous amount of taxation from the nation's industry has not succeeded in its supposed purpose of shaking people out from services into manufacturing industry, it is creating tremendous hardship, and it will result in bankruptcies among many small firms?
§ Miss HerbisonI do not agree with the point the hon. Gentleman makes, but these questions are not for my Department. My Department merely collects the money. Responsibility for the economic and other aspects lies with other Ministers.