HC Deb 17 December 1979 vol 976 c25
25. Mr. Dover

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he intends to take on the Consumer Protection Advisory Committee report on value added tax inclusive pricing.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

I intend as soon as possible to lay before Parliament a draft order dealing with the use of VAT-inclusive pricing. This will give effect to the proposals of the Director General of Fair Trading as modified by the Consumer Protection Advisory Committee.

Mr. Dover

Does the Minister think that the implementation of the recommendations of the report will help the fight against inflation, or give rise to further inflation?

Mrs. Oppenheim

My purpose in introducing these regulations is to prevent confusion on the part of the consumer. In general, it is my intention that the regulations will require that either VAT-inclusive prices are displayed or prices showing clearly the amount of VAT.

Mr. John Fraser

Will the order be laid under the Fair Trading Act 1973 or under the Prices Act 1974?

Mrs. Oppenheim

I am reviewing this matter. I hope that it will be possible to lay the order under the Fair Trading Act. If that is not possible, I shall use whatever other powers are available to me.