§ 41. Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the effect on the housing programme of the application of the proposed Selective Employment Tax to the construction industry.
§ Mr. MellishWe are keeping a very careful watch but it is too early to judge.
§ 53. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that housing contractors are asking local authorities for an increase in the tender figure for house building arising from the Budget proposals for a pay-roll tax; and what advice he is giving to local councils in this matter.
§ Mr. CrossmanYes. Where local authorities inquire, the Department's52W officers are advising them that where tenders were received before Budget Day but have not been let, and contractors are unwilling to accept the contract at the price offered, authorities may negotiate with the contractor whose tender they would otherwise have accepted, taking account both of the pay-roll tax and of other Budget measures which should lead to a reduction in building costs.