HC Deb 27 February 1968 vol 759 cc1218-9
28. Mr. Winnick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to raise various forms of indirect taxation.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I cannot anticipate my Budget Statement.

Mr. Winnick

I appreciate this, but would the Chancellor try to resist the Tory and C.B.I. pressure to raise indirect taxation, which hits working-class and lower middle-class people most of all? Would he not agree that any raising of indirect taxation will certainly hit people trying to live on small fixed incomes?

Mr. Jenkins

I am afraid that the answer to that Question must also be embraced within the terms of the Answer that I gave earlier.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

If the Chancellor is to increase indirect taxation will he at least ensure that it is on luxuries, and not on essentials, which will hit the poorest people in our community hardest of all?

Mr. Jenkins

Again I take note of what the hon. Member says.