§ Mr. John Denham (Southampton, Itchen)I wish to present two petitions, both of which oppose the extension of VAT to important goods and services.
The first petition is signed by 187 parents and staff of the Ludlow First school in Southampton, and it opposes the imposition of VAT on books and reading materials. They, like me, believe that it is better to promote reading skills than to tax them.
The petition reads:
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will take care to reject any moves to impose VAT on books and reading materials.To lie upon the Table.
§ Mr. DenhamThe second petition has been signed by more than 500 passengers of Hampshire Bus. I believe that they speak for all bus passengers in Hampshire. I share their belief that the imposition of VAT on bus and coach fares would be wrong on financial, transport planning and environmental grounds.
The petition reads:
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will take care to reject any moves to impose VAT on bus and coach fares and to ensure the maintenance of zero rating of public transport.
§ To lie upon the Table.