Earl of Dalkeithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total sum of money paid by the building and construction industry in Great Britain in selective employment tax in the latest 12-month period for which figures are available.
§ Mr. HigginsI regret that I can only estimate the amount paid by particular industries. The most recent estimate is that in the current financial year the building and construction industry will pay about £135 million.
§ Mr. James Hillasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to add the building industry to the list in Section 2 of the Selective Employment Payments Act, 1966 in order to help 244W stabilise freehold prices of residential properties.
§ Mr. HigginsI do not think it would be appropriate to give special treatment to any industry in advance of the abolition of the tax. Proposals for the abolition of S.E.T. will be laid before the House at the appropriate time.