§ Lieut.-Colonel Gageasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to abolish or reduce the purchase tax on hairdressers' tools, equipment and appliances, in view of the hardship it is causing to hairdressers generally and, hi particular, to ex-Servicemen and women wishing to start or restart in the business.
§ Mr. DaltonNot now, but I will consider this and other suggestions before next April.
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§ Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reason for continuing the purchase tax of 100 per cent. on silk and silk fabrics in view of the fact that such articles are now manufactured in Great Britain; and whether it is proposed to remove this discrimination between silk fabrics and other textiles at an early date.
§ Mr. DaltonSilk fabrics are taxed at the higher rate as being goods of a luxury character. There is no distinction for tax purposes between imported and British made fabrics. As regards the second part of the Question, I cannot anticipate my next Budget statement.
§ Mr. A. Andersonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the hardship caused, particularly to demobilised men and women, of the imposition of purchase tax of 33⅓per cent on national price controlled wool blankets while utility cotton blankets and sheets bear no tax; and will he take steps to have this anomaly relieved.
§ Mr. DaltonAs I stated on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, I cannot agree to extend the range of remissions from Purchase Tax now, but suggestions for exemption of particular articles will be considered between now and next April.