§ Mr. Priorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give a directive to local inspectors of taxes to allow them to grant tax relief for expenditure incurred in complying with new fire regulations, which constitute no improvement, addition or extension to property but whose sole purpose is to permit the continued occupation of the premises.
§ Mr. Harold LeverNo. Expenditure on repairs to existing fire-fighting apppliances would be allowable as a deduction in computing profits for tax purposes, but expenditure which resulted in a permanent raising of the standard of safety would normally be capital expenditure and would therefore not be so allowable, whether or not it was incurred compulsorily.