asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will free from Purchase Tax, wireless and television sets purchased by approved societies for the use, on loan, of housebound persons of insufficient means.

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the very similar request of the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Hirst) on 3rd July.

But is the Chancellor aware that the cost to the Exchequer of this small concession would be less than £1,000 a year? Would not this bring happiness to many people without creating a precedent or upsetting the economy of the country?

While not disputing the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, I must remind him that we have to consider the implications of a policy of giving exemptions from Purchase Tax in all sorts of directions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether Purchase Tax is paid on motor cars used by Ministers and, if so, who pays it?