§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the effect, as so far indicated, of the higher rate of VAT on the boatbuilding industry.
§ Mr. Wakehamasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the effect so far of the higher rate of VAT on boats and their accessories on orders, inquiries and employment; and if he will take steps designed to stabilise the situation in the industry.
§ Mr. KaufmanIt is not yet possible to make an accurate assessment of the effects of the higher rate of VAT on the boatbuilding industry, but my Department is in close touch with the Ship and Boatbuilders National Federation and the situation will be kept under review.
§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the decline in home sales in the boatbuilding industry in the first three months of 1975.
§ Mr. KaufmanI understand that surveys conducted by the industry show a falling trend in home sales during the first three months of 1975, but I regret that there are no comprehensive statistics available yet on which to base a statement.