§ 39. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of selective employment tax to be paid by the building and construction industry in the financial year 1971–72.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanAt the present rates the amount of S.E.T. to be paid by the building and construction industry in the financial year 1971–72 would be about £135 million.
§ 40. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations have been made to him requesting the abolition of selective employment tax or its modification in the building and construction industry; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanIn the last three months five representations have been received. The replies have reaffirmed our pledge to abolish the tax.
§ Mrs. Sally Oppenheimasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the abolition of selective employment tax for 60W all retail food shops; and to what extent he estimates this will contain inflation in food prices.
§ Mr. HigginsEstimates are difficult to make but the figure is probably about £60 million. How far food prices will be affected will depend on how far the tax has been passed on and on competitive conditions.