Clause 26. — (Surcharges on Employers.)

Part of Orders of the Day — Finance Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 13 June 1961.

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Photo of Mr Harold Wilson Mr Harold Wilson , Huyton 12:00, 13 June 1961

It is quite clear that whatever argument will be deployed the Government will not budge on this Clause. It is clear that, however, unpopular it is and however impracticable, as shown by speeches in all parts of the Committee, the Chancellor feels committed to the Clause, rightly or wrongly. In the famous words of Lord Attlee, he has nailed his trousers to the mast and he cannot climb down. I therefore suggest, particularly since we have a very important related Schedule to come to, on which many of these arguments can be continued, especially the argument on Parliamentary control, that we might now reach a conclusion on the Clause. We on this side of the Committee propose to take the matter to the Division Lobby.