§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (1) in view of the fact that increases in purchase tax do not prevent consumer spending, whether he will introduce a system of progressive purchase tax deductions for items ordered and paid for now for delivery at later dates in 1969, 1970 and later;
(2) in view of the fact that increases in purchase tax do not discourage consumer spending, whether he will seek to introduce a system by which purchase tax reductions on specified goods needed for exports will be given if orders are postponed for six months or a longer period.
§ Mr. TaverneMy hon. Friend's aim of deferring purchases may be commendable, but his schemes, or anything like them, are not practicable.