Effects of SET
Page 52
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Already the serious effects of the recent increase in SET are becoming apparent with many prices on the increase in addition to mounting financial pressure on the smaller independent business.
The cost of living has started to rise although some prices may not go up for some weeks but substantial rises are forecast in most trades before the autumn. In addition to the rise in prices two of the worst aspects of the 28 per cent increase last month are that, many smaller businesses unable to pass on the tax increase to customers because of manufacturers recommended prices and the need for competitiveness are finding business bankruptcy staring them in the face and for many employees in service industry, the threat of redundancy will have an ominous ring. The latest unemployment figures show a quarter million more out of work than in the month before SET was introduced in 1966.
SET has been condemned as a bad and ill-considered tax by all sectors of industry, commerce and not least, by the ordinary housewife, who finds the pound in her purse buys less and less each week. Even many Labour MPs appear to have misgivings as were shown by the number that abstained from voting for the increase. Surely with such widespread hostility to the tax the Chancellor should think again. Just forms of taxation without discrimination yes!, anomalous and discriminatory taxes no!
DAVID BURNETT, Executive Director, Committee for the Repeal of Selective Employment Tax.
Best of patience!
Like Dick Jones of S. Jones Garages Ltd. ("First man?", CM August 15) I was also successful in passing the h.g.v. test at 8.30 a.m. on August 4 at Llantrisant, S. Wales, with a Guy/ York artic, and my assistant E. Williams followed on the same day at 10.45 a.m.
We both thought the test very fair, and well conducted, and we wish all h.g.v. drivers the best of luck, and instructors the best of patience.
JACK EMERY AM/NIT T.A. Senior Driving Instructor, Training Centre, BRS Ltd., Bridgend.
The hole story
I am surprised at The Hawk's surprise (CM. Bird's eye view, August 15), that Ron Cater has gone into the business of marketing holes. A well-known mint company has been selling holes for years, sustained by an intensive TV campaign.
What Ron Cater will have to watch is that when he is despatching by lorry load, the vehicle does not back into a waiting consignment and get bogged down to its axles.
LEN WOODS, Area Manager, Reed Transport, Lancs.
NEW COMPANIES
D. J. Fisher 'Transport Ltd. Cap.: £2,000. Dirs.: D. Fisher. Maud B. Fisher and Jane K. Fisher. all of The Hall. Southminster, Essex. Sec.: June K. Fisher. Reg. office: The Hall. Southminster. Essex.
F. J. W. Humphrey and Son Ltd. Cap.: £5,000. Objects: To carry on the business of haulage contractors. etc. Subs.: L. H. Lewis, and F. A. Dean, both of 12 Norfolk Street, WC2. Sec.: F. A. Dean.
Marlbridge Ltd. Cap.: £100. Objects: To carry on the business of builders of commercial and general vehicle bodies. etc. Subs.: 1.. H. Lewis, and F. A. Dean, both of 12 Norfolk Street. WC2. Sec.: F. A, Dean, Industrial Rentals Ltd. Cap.: £100,000. Objects: To carry on the business of proprietors of mechanically propelled vehicles of all kinds and operators of fleets of vehicles, etc. Subs.: R. S. Fawssett, and M. J. Gregson. both of 1 Gresham Street, EC2. Sots.: Biddle and Co.. I Gresham Street, EC2.
E. J. Clarke Haulage (Crowley) Ltd. Cap.: £100. Dirs.: Edith J. Clarke, and 3, E. Clarke. both of Laurels Farm, Reedgate Lane, Crowley, Northwich. Sec.: Edith J. Clarke, Reg. office: 1 Bramonose Street. Manchester M2 5FH.
Frank Clarke (Delivery) Ltd. Cap.: £100. Objects: To carry on as a general haulage contractors, etc. Dirs.: F. Clarke and Mrs. Iris M. Clarke. both of 25 Jessie Road, Aldridge, Staffs. Sec.: Iris M. Clarke. Reg. Office: 266 Broad Street. Birmingham I. UK—Portugal (Direct Deliveries) Ltd. Cap.: £5,000. Objects: To carry on the business of transport and haulage contractors, shipping and forwarding agents, etc. Subs.: D. H. Hodson, and R. C. Keen, both of 7/9 Fetter Lane. EC4.
Brown and Nixon Ltd. Cap.: £20,000, Ob. jeers: To carry on the business of transport contractors, etc. Dirs.: R. E. Nixon. Ridley Bank. Forest Road, Cuddington, Northwich. J. Brown, 40 Kirkliston Park, Belfast 5. Sec.: J. Brown. Reg. office: 27 Sandhills Lane. Bootle, Liverpool 5.