§ 15. Mr. Ewingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many trade, professional and sports organisations have written to him expressing concern about the effects of value-added tax and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanIn response to the invitation in the Green Paper on V.A.T., nearly 700 organisations have put forward representations covering numerous aspects of the tax. They have been informed that their representations are being taken into account in planning the tax.
§ Mr. EwingBut would the right hon. Gentleman accept that no proposal on the reform of our taxation system has been received with so much apprehension as the proposal to introduce value-added tax? Without trying to ascertain what the Budget Statement will contain a fortnight hence, may I express the hope—and would the right hon. Gentleman accept—that those who have expressed doubts and apprehensions expect their apprehensions to be reflected in the Budget Statement?
§ Mr. MacmillanThe hon. Gentleman may be reassured to know that we have had representations from about 60 sports organisations. We have received representations from the Football Association, the Football League, the Scottish Football League, and so on. We have noted what they have said, and the hon. Gentleman's point.