§ 38. Sir J. Barlowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the amount of Purchase Tax lost to the Treasury through the sale of umbrellas free of tax; and what steps are being taken to safeguard the equitable application of the present Purchase Tax law to the whole of the industry.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIt is believed that Purchase Tax was being lost at the rate of some £10,000 to £20,000 per annum as the result of a recently adopted device. In reply to the second part of the Question, the Purchase Tax (No. 7) Order, 1952, Statutory Instrument No. 1821, which came into operation on 20th October, has been made by the Treasury for the purpose outlined in the hon. Baronet's Question.
§ Mr. Bossomasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider removing the Purchase Tax on cartridges sold for the purpose of destroying rabbits which are now damaging crops, as the present high cost of cartridges is one of the principal difficulties in the drive against rabbits.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo.
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give consideration to the abolition or reduction in Purchase 234W Tax on wireless batteries and thus assist old age pensioners and those compelled to use these for radio reception.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's answer to the Question by the hon. Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Crouch) on 21st October.