§ 44. Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will expedite his consideration of the possible introduction of a value added tax in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacDermotI have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 8th May.—[Vol. 746, c. 1089–91.]
§ Mr. JenkinWhile recognising that the Government cannot determine their policy on the basis of a single speech by a member of the European Commission, does not the hon. and learned Gentleman recognise that the point made by Mr. Von der Groeben that the sincerity of our application will be judged by our readiness to harmonise our legislation makes it important that we should press ahead with measures for fiscal harmonisation such as a value added tax with the utmost expedition?
§ Mr. MacDermotAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear, we do not see any barrier in these provisions of the Treaty and will be fully ready to take and play our part in the harmonisation of taxes within the E.E.C.
§ Mr. Brian ParkynWill the Government bear in mind, in relation to this matter, that one of the major reasons for the vertical integration of industry in Holland has been the value added tax, and that it would give us the same kind of benefit in this country?
§ Mr. MacDermotI can assure my hon. Friend that we are considering all these relevant matters in connection with this tax.