HC Deb 13 December 1984 vol 69 c1203
17. Mr. Lofthouse

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his consideration of the possible imposition of value added tax on books, magazines and newspapers.

Mr. Hayhoe

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick).

Mr. Lofthouse

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the price of many of the major newspapers is already beyond many millions of people? Is he also aware that if VAT is introduced, as has been suggested, many local newspapers will be put out of business and many local communities denied the knowledge that they provide?

Mr. Hayhoe

I have met a deputation from the Newspaper Society, which made many of those points in greater detail. The Government are well aware of the representations that are being made, and those representations will be given careful consideration.