Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 10 Tachwedd 1964.
Mr James Scott-Hopkins
, North Cornwall
12:00,
10 Tachwedd 1964
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether he will consider lifting the 15 per cent. surcharge on the Norwegian-built fishing vessels already ordered to be imported into this country in the next eight weeks.
Mr Niall MacDermot
, Derby North
My right hon. Friend will deal with this new charge in his Budget statement tomorrow. If the hon. Member will let me have details of the case he has in mind, I will look into the matter.
Mr James Scott-Hopkins
, North Cornwall
Does the hon. and learned Gentleman mean that the Chancellor will lift the surcharge or ease it in some way? Does the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that these boats were already ordered before the charge was put on? Is he aware that the only result will be to increase the cost to a very vital basic industry? What consultations did the Government have with our Norwegian friends before imposing the surcharge?
Mr Niall MacDermot
, Derby North
The hon. Gentleman knows the answer to the second part of that Supplementary Question. It is well known—it received much publicity—that we were not able to consult. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] I have already answered that question. With regard to the first part of his Supplementary Question, he will appreciate that my reply was not designed to give information and therefore I cannot give any now.
Mr James Prior
, Lowestoft
Will the hon. and learned Gentleman also bear in mind that vessels are being built in Poland for the fishing industry? If he sees my hon. Friend the Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Scott-Hopkins), will he also see me at the same time?
Mr Niall MacDermot
, Derby North
Yes, certainly.
Mr James Scott-Hopkins
, North Cornwall
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.
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