§ 57. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange that employees of private catering and laundry establishments be treated for Selective Employment Tax in the same way as employees of local authorities running similar establishments.
§ Mr. DiamondNo. Selective Employment Tax is refunded to local authorities except where this would result in substantial unfair competition.
§ 60. Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect on retail prices to date of the Selective Employment Tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DiamondI estimate that the effect has been to raise the retail prices index by about one-half of 1 per cent. The tax has contributed significantly both to the Revenue and to the general restraint of demand.