asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why permission was given to Modern Industries, Limited, of Kingston-on-Thames, to dispose of recess bathroom cabinets, without the addition of tax, up to 31st March, 1949, when at that time such goods were generally held liable to tax; and what steps have been taken to ensure that similar privileges are not granted to other individual suppliers to the detriment of their competitors.

This situation arose from a misunderstanding. The circumstances are not likely to recur.

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that no discrimination of any kind took place in the exercise of the authority of the Treasury?

Yes, certainly. I think there was a genuine misunderstanding. We are taking steps to see that it does not occur again.