HC Deb 25 May 1978 vol 950 cc1740-1
20. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about sex discrimination in tax legislation.

Mr. Joel Barnett

My right hon. Friend has received a number of such representations, in particular from the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Mr. Smith

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is wrong for inspectors of taxes to write to husbands in answer to their wives' letters? What work has the Treasury done to seek ways of eliminating this and other examples of discrimination?

Mr. Barnett

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. This is a matter that we are looking into very closely. Successive Governments, including Conservative Governments, have handled the system in the way that the hon. Gentleman described. We are seeking to rectify this situation as soon as possible.

Mr. Stoddart

Is it not an example of sex discrimination that there should be an 8 per cent. rate of VAT on sanitary towels? Will my right hon. Friend consider making a zero rating on this item?

Mr. Barnett

There is sex discrimination in a variety of different areas. I hope that my hon. Friend will table a Question on the specific matter of sanitary towels, when I shall be happy to deal with it.

Mr. Speaker

As we turn to Prime Minister's Questions, may I say that, following the point of order which was justifiably raised on Tuesday by the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon), I shall call fewer supplementary questions, in order to try to move on more quickly with Prime Minister's Questions.