HC Deb 10 July 1975 vol 895 cc722-3
4. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the working of multi-rate VAT.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Robert Sheldon)

The transition has gone reasonably well and I should like to thank those in the trades affected for the way in which they have co-operated.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Has the Minister any idea of the trouble, difficulty and expense which has been placed upon businesses as a result of multi-rate VAT? In the light of experience, does he not think that a single rate was better? Is he prepared to hear representations from Epping Forest traders on the issue?

Mr. Sheldon

I am always pleased to listen to any representations. I must remind the hon. Gentleman that the problems in the retail trade are nothing like the problems that existed when VAT was first introduced. I also remind the hon. Gentleman that out of the nine member countries in the Community we were the only one without multi-rate VAT in operation.