HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 cc83-4W
Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will consider the impact of higher value added tax and oil duties on distribution costs and its effect on shop and distributive workers in Wales; and whether he will consider any means to lessen the impact.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

It is not possible to identify the effect of these changes on the distribution and retail sectors in Wales separately from the United Kingdom as a whole. Overall, while there will be some reduction in demand, the impact will be less because reductions in personal taxation will considerably lessen the effect.