§ 86. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenue was raised by Purchase Tax in 1958–59; and, having regard to the high level of consumer sales in Great Britain during the current year, what sum he anticipates will be raised by Purchase Tax revenue during 1959–60.
§ Mr. BarberNet receipts from Purchase Tax in 1958–59 were £497.5 million and the Budget estimate for 1959–60 65W was £471 million. It is not the practice to publish revised estimates during the course of the financial year.
§ 87. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are now operating sale or return schemes and Purchase Tax deferred liability schemes, in an effort to minimise trade dislocation; whether he has noted the undesirable implications of such measures; and whether he will now reconsider his decision concerning early announcement of proposed Purchase Tax changes.
§ Mr. BarberMy right hon. Friend took all relevant factors into account before he arrived at his decision, which he is not prepared to vary.
§ 88. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the £500 tax-free limit was fixed in respect of Purchase Tax; for what reasons it was then so fixed; what is the comparable figure today, allowing for decline in monetary values during nearly two decades of Purchase Tax; and what steps he proposes to take to adjust the tax-free limit to current monetary values.
§ Mr. BarberI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answers given to his similar Questions on 3rd and 9th February last.