§ 124. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason walking sticks and canes are still subject to purchase tax at 30 per cent., unless made wholly of wood; what is the present annual revenue obtained from Purchase Tax on walking sticks and canes; and whether he will introduce greater uniformity into this field of Purchase Tax at an early date.
194W
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. F. J. Erroll)Wooden walking sticks are exempt because of their use by the blind, aged and crippled. I see no need to withdraw this relief in the interests of uniformity. Revenue figures are not available.
§ 125. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds paper serviettes are still liable to Purchase Tax at 15 per cent., whereas those made of tissue or fabric are only liable to tax at 5 per cent., or are exempt altogether; and whether he will at an early stage review the undesirability of taxing the non-luxury serviettes at the highest rate, and introduce equality into this field.
§ Mr. ErrollThe textile articles were exempted in 1955 as part of a general plan to help the cotton and linen industries.
§ 126. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the earnings of the British tourist industry over the last 12 months for which figures are available; and whether, with a view to assisting the British hotel industry to increase these earnings in future years, he will, at an early date, review the desirability of eliminating Purchase Tax on all articles which constitute an essential part of hotel equipment.
§ Mr. ErrollFrom overseas tourists, about£129 million. As regards the rest of the Question, I cannot add to what my right hon. Friend said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Barry (Mr. Gower) on 9th December.