HC Deb 21 January 1976 vol 903 cc493-4W
Mr. Michael McGuire

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, because of the

Cmnd 4234 for the three-year period 1969–70 to 1971–72.

lost jobs in the television tube and set manufacturing industry, he will further relax the financial controls which he has imposed on the sale or renting of televisions sets, so as to reduce the rate of VAT from 25 per cent. to 8 per cent. and to abolish the present advance rental payment of 26 weeks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dell

My right hon. Friend has no plans at this stage for a further relaxation of controls applying to hire purchase and rental agreements for television sets beyond those announced on 17th December 1975. When the scope for any changes in these and the 25 per cent. rate of VAT is reviewed before the Spring Budget, my right hon. Friend will of course take into account all relevant factors including the employment situation.