§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the increase effected by the interim Budget in the Purchase Tax on drugs which are in constant use by medical practitioners will be a handicap upon their prescribing and must constitute a burden upon the chronic sick; and if he will consider enlarging, on medical advice, the list of drugs to which exemption is granted.
§ Sir S. CrippsCertain essential and costly drugs used in prescribing medicines are already exempt, and I doubt whether the raising from 16⅔ to 33⅓ per cent. of the Purchase Tax on those materials which are chargeable will operate in the way suggested to any serious extent. However, I am considering proposals for extending the list of exempt drugs, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.