Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Labour (1) to give an estimate of what reduction in the cost-of-living index would be effected if Purchase Tax on furniture was abolished;
(2) to give an estimate of what reduction in the cost-of-living index would be effected if all Purchase Tax on items included in the index was abolished.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs Purchase Tax is levied on wholesale values and I have no information as to the precise amount of such tax included in the retail prices reported each month for articles covered by the retail prices index, I am not able to make an estimate.