28 MARCH 1941, Page 14

AIR-RAID VICTIMS AND THE PURCHASE-TAX Stit,—The effect of the Purchase-Tax

on air-raid victims bears very hardly in some cases, and, as far as my enquiries go, no Government legislation is in existence, or contemplated, to relieve sufferers. May I quote my own case, which is no doubt similar to hundreds of others? My house, and its entire contents, were destroyed as a result of enemy-action some three months ago, and I will not dwell on the most tragic side—the deaths of members of my family. I am now faced with the necessity of purchasing articles of clothing, essential household equipment, and many other goods if I am to coqtinue to " keep my chin up " and to carry on. _ I cannot claim to be in immediate financial necessity, so have to live on the hope that in the far future I shall receive some compensation. For the present, how- ever, I find that my slender savings are fast disappearing, because of the extra purchase-tax which I am compelled to pay on practically every article I need. Is there no relief in such cases?—Yours faithfully, 23 Oakham Road, Harborne, Birmingham. G. F. BENNETT.