§ 31. Mr. Barnesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a memorandum on the social and economic implications of the introduction of an added-value tax.
§ Mr. DiamondI will bear this suggestion in mind. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, a Committee of the N.E.D.C. is at present considering the value-added tax.
§ Mr. BarnesDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that if tax reform is to proceed smoothly it is important that it should be possible for objections to be raised and discussed in advance before a tax becomes a fact? If the Government decide to introduce an added-value tax, can they draw the legislation in this way?
§ Mr. DiamondI will bear what my hon. Friend says in mind. He realises that this is the procedure adopted on what has now come to be known as the Green Paper.