HC Deb 27 November 1980 vol 994 c188W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to impose an excess profits tax on the clearing banks.

Mr. Lawson

As I said during the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill on 3 June—[Vol. 985, c.1282–86]—to introduce a discriminatory tax on the profits legitimately earned of one particular sector of the economy requires a strong case to be made. I was unconvinced of the justification for such a tax during the current financial year, but the possibility remains under review.