HC Deb 01 April 1969 vol 781 cc227-8
39. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to remove the Purchase Tax on brass and military band instruments.

Mr. Harold Lever

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Wainwright

Would my hon. Friend take into account that in many towns and villages the brass bands and other bands are working on a shoestring? Would he also take into account that the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, the Salvation Army and many other organisations are finding it very difficult to purchase new instruments? Will he please reduce the Purchase Tax on these instruments?

Mr. Lever

As to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I am sure that the Chancellor has these thoughts continuously, or nearly continuously, in mind.

Mr. Speaker

Questions to the Prime Minister.

Mr. S. O. Davies

On a point of order. Can you Mr. Speaker, or any of my right hon. Friends, explain why a very important Question that I put down eight to 10 days ago to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I should prefer that the hon. Gentleman raised his point of order at the end of Question time.