§ 61. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present approximate annual revenue from Purchase Tax on toilet preparations liable to Purchase Tax at 50 per cent.; and, in view of the fact that this produces only a modest revenue, why he maintains this rate on a range of products which are in daily use by almost every person in the country.
§ Mr. Barber. I would refer my hon. Friend to the rely my right hon. Friend gave to the second of his Questions on 8th March.
§ 62. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the most luxurious type of high fidelity stereophonic radio gramophone equipment can, if the essential items are purchased separately, be largely obtained free of Purchase Tax, whereas a single cabinet with all the constituent parts already fitted, is charged the full rate of Purchase Tax; and whether, in order to reduce the effect of this anomaly, he will greatly reduce the 50 per cent. rate of Purchase Tax on such equipment at the earliest possible opportunity.
§ Mr. BarberI cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.
§ Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that water softeners made to specification for the supply of treated water at a specified degree of hardness for use in such places as breweries, bakeries, 107W laundries, dairies and catering establishments, are not chargeable to Purchase Tax under Group 12, he will consider extending such exemption to water softeners of all kinds with a view to reducing waste expenditure on fuel and soaps.
§ Mr. BarberI cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.