Value Added Tax-inclusive Pricing

HC Deb 02 May 1977 vol 931 cc18-9

16. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what progress is being made on the reference to the Consumer Protection Advisory Committee on value added tax-inclusive pricing.

Mr. John Fraser

I expect to receive the committee's report on the reference by 18th May.

Mr. Hooley

Does my hon. Friend agree that it would be easier for consumers to see what they were being charged if "plus VAT" was not printed in tiny letters at the bottom of price notices? Will he press for this practice to be changed?

Mr. Fraser

There is a great wish by consumers that prices should be stated clearly, and the words "including VAT" are helpful. But there are difficulties. That is why the Consumer Protection Advisory Committee looked at a reference from the Director General, and I hope that once the committee has reported there will be no delay in implementing its recommendations.