HC Deb 14 April 1970 vol 799 cc1186-7
3. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how much he estimates that the direct labour Departments of local authorities engaged in new construction will have to pay in selective employment tax during the financial year 1970–71 on the basis of the present rates of the tax; and what is the equivalent figure for private contractors.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. Charles Loughlin)

The construction industry will pay about £150 million, of which about £5 million will come from local authority direct labour Departments.

Mr. Costain

But does not the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that £18 million more would have come from local authorities if S.E.T. was charged on maintenance? May we assume that S.E.T. will be abolished for this reason?

Mr. Loughlin

I doubt whether I can anticipate the statement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer today.