§ Mr. John Hallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the further damage likely to be caused to the furniture industry by the recent reductions of Purchase Tax on other commodities; and if he is now prepared, in the interests of the industry and the consumer, to grant the industry the relief for which it asks.
§ Mr. BarberI appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. On the other hand, however, the release of consumers' spending power by the recent tax reductions116W may benefit industries besides those directly affected.
On the second part of his Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to him by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and to other right hon. and hon. Members by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary, yesterday.