Selective Employment Tax

HC Deb 04 February 1969 vol 777 cc192-3

14. Mr. Donald Williams

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will now make a further statement on the impact of Selective Employment Tax on the construction industry.

Mr. Mellish

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Torrington (Mr. Peter Mills) on Tuesday, 3rd December, 1968.—[Vol. 774, c. 1220–2.]

Mr. Williams

Will the Minister give us an assurance, on behalf of the industry for which he bears some responsibility, that he will make representations to the Chancellor to remove this impost, which is running at the rate of £120 million a year, from the industry? Is he aware that it also increases the cost of the average house by £150?

Mr. Mellish

The hon. Member knows that all taxes are extremely unpopular, but this one has a particular unpopularity. The Reddaway Committee has been set up and the industry is now able to make its representations. We must await the result of that inquiry.