36. Mr. John M. TaylorWhat discussions he has had with the Treasury concerning its proposals to change the tax treatment of the legal profession. [28104]
§ Mr. HoonIt would not be appropriate for me to comment on any discussions that may have taken place within Government.
Mr. TaylorI sincerely hope that, despite that smokescreen of an answer, the Minister argued with the Treasury that the tax changes will have a discouraging effect on young practitioners and new entrants to the profession. Did he make that argument?
§ Mr. HoonThe hon. Gentleman knows that my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary announced the proposal well in advance of any Budget determination, precisely so that the professions could be consulted, and so that any representations made about the effects of the proposal could be considered. The hon. Gentleman is surely aware that such representations have been made, and I am sure that my hon. Friend will take them into account.