§ 81. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the expansion of the British motor car industry is largely dependent on further reductions of Purchase Tax on motor cars in the near future in order to enable the industry to be fully competitive from the export point of view; and whether he will undertake to make an early declaration of Government policy in the matter.
§ Mr. BarberI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to his third Question on 10th November, and to that given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Board of Trade, to his second Question on 3rd March.
§ 82. Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methods are adopted by the Customs and Excise authorities to ensure that metal pipes and tubing, which are not subject to 143W Purchase Tax, are not sold for use as, or used for the purpose of, curtain rods, which are subject to Purchase Tax if the material is obviously prepared for such purpose.
§ Mr. BarberMy right hon. Friend is not prepared to describe the means by which attempts to avoid payment of any tax due are countered.
§ Mr. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now consider extending the exemption from Purchase Tax which is given to trivets and similar articles, including false hobs and hearth stools, to include hearth companion stands which incorporate a trivet.
§ Mr. BarberI cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.