HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc22-3W
Mr. Mellish

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the proportion of the total volume of sales of clothing, footwear and furniture which were wholly exempted from Purchase Tax by the operation of the D Scheme at the time of its abolition.

Mr. H. Brooke

It is estimated that about five-sixths of the footwear (other than young children's footwear) and about three-quarters of the furniture sold before the Budget, was free of tax by reason of the D Scheme. In the case of clothing, the proportion varied widely from one article to another; for a number of typical articles, it is estimated to have been as shown below:

Proportion estimated to to have been free of tax Men's wear Women's wear
Less than a quarter Three piece suits Stockings
Between a quarter and a half Two piece suits Ankle socks Undervests Nightdresses
Between a half and three-quarters Jackets Waistcoats, cardigans and pullovers Overcoats, woollen Shirts Vests and pants, non-woollen Two piece suits, woolen Slips Knickers
More than three-quarters Trousers Overalls Socks, woollen Pyjamas Corsets and corselettes Overcoats, woolen Skirts Dresses

Mr. Hunter

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of money received in Purchase Tax on electric washing machines for the first six months of this year.

Mr. H. Brooke

Approximately £4 million.

Mr. Hunter

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of money received in Purchase Tax on electric vacuum cleaners for the first six months of this year.

Mr. H. Brooke

Approximately £2½ million.