§ 43. Mr. Pavittasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what views were expressed in the letter he received from the chairman of the Economic Development Council for Distribution concerning the proposals for a payroll tax; and if he will place a copy of the correspondence in the Library.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe Chairman of the Economic Development Council for Distribution made a number of constructive criticisms of the Selective Employment Tax on behalf of the distributive trades. I am placing a copy of his letter and my reply in the Library.
§ 45. Mr. Rhodesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what criteria he formed the estimate that, depending on the extent to which the Selective Employment Tax were passed on, the effect on retail prices would vary between nothing and one-half of one per cent.
§ Mr. CallaghanI have estimated the tax payable in respect of employees in the retail trades—and wholesale trades where appropriate—deducted the premium payable to manufacturers of consumer goods, and expressed the result as a percentage of estimated retail sales.
§ Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the representations which have been made to him and the views expressed by hon. Members in a Motion on the Order Paper, he will now relieve charities from the burden of the Selective Employment Tax.
§ Mr. DiamondI would ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Ministry of Labour Bill tomorrow.