§ 68. Mr. Prescottasked the Economic Secretary to the Treasury whether he has now any announcement to make regarding acceptance of a scheme to limit losses occasioned to retail traders where Purchase Tax is reduced or abolished.
§ Mr. JayDiscussions have taken place between the Customs and Excise Department on the one hand and the representatives of retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers on the other. These discussions have shown that over the greater part of the field the arrangements54W necessary for a rebate of tax would be excessively complicated, and would involve an inordinate amount of work for all concerned. Even when the task had been undertaken, the results would bear no precise relation to the circumstances of individual traders, and would give rise to many inequalities and complaints. There is, however, a limited field in which there seems to be a better chance of finding a practical solution. The possibilities, as well as the justification for a rebate, are in my view to be found in this limited field. My right hon. Friend will await the outcome of further discussions before coming to any final decision.