HC Deb 08 November 1966 vol 735 cc249-50W
60. Mr. Dickens

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has had from the Electrical Contractors' Association regarding the position of electricity boards under the Selective Employment Tax; and what reply he has sent.

65. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Power what has been the result of his consideration in consultation with the industries concerned of the position which causes electrical contractors to pay the full Selective Employment Tax while exempting the electrical contracting departments of electrical boards who are in direct competition with them.

Dr. Bray

In response to the proposals set out in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 18th October, the Electrical Contractors Association of England and Wales has proposed instead that employment in certain of the area electricity boards' activities should be made by statute not eligible for refund of the tax. This proposal is not acceptable to the Government and the Association has been asked whether it will reconsider proceeding on the line previously proposed—[Vol. 734, c. 32.]