§ Q6. Mr. Carterasked the Prime Minister how many petitions have been presented to him since 18th June. 1970.
§ The Prime MinisterThis information is not available.
§ Mr. CarterWhatever the number, is the Prime Minister aware that it will be increased by at least one when the British public discover that it is the Government's clear intention to extend the value added tax to food? Is he aware that his Ministers dealing with the Finance Bill have refused to deny that contingency plans have been made and that this is a complete break with the pledge made by the Government at the General Election?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is nothing of the sort. My right hon. Friend the Chan- 1624 cellor of the Exchequer made absolutely plain in his Budget Statement what the position of the VAT is, and this is embodied in the Finance Bill.
§ Mr. Sydney ChapmanWill my right hon. Friend confirm that after the introduction of the VAT what can best be described as the basic necessities of life will be taxed far less than they were and are under the existing purchase tax and the old selective employment tax?
§ The Prime MinisterTaking the two together, Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettWould the Prime Minister care to give a pledge that the agreement not to tax food is permanent?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's policy has been very clearly stated, and was stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in the Budget, that VAT will not apply to food. That is the position.