§ 26. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fuel saving which would result if old and inefficient gas and electric heating appliances in domestic premises were replaced by up-to-date appliances such as heaters working on the convector principle, he will consider in his current review the early reduction of Purchase Tax on electrical and gas heating apparatus of all kinds.
§ Mr. PowellI would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to his Questions on 19th November.
§ 27. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of foreign currency and dollars earned by the British tourist industry during the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will give consideration to the influence of Purchase Tax on the ability of hotels in Britain to re-equip themselves and offer better facilities to tourists from overseas.
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§ Mr. PowellReceipts from visitors from overseas in the twelve months ending with last August were estimated at £126 million. On the second part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 5th December.
§ 28. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the approximate annual cost of reducing to 30 per cent. all Purchase Tax rates now in excess of that percentage.
§ Mr. PowellAbout £120 million.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the addition which the high Purchase Tax on stationery makes to manufacturing costs of many industries, not least some of those concerned with export trade; and if he will reduce this tax at an early opportunity.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI will bear the hon. Member's point in mind.