HC Deb 22 February 1973 vol 851 cc191-4W
23. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many organisations he now estimates have not yet registered under the VAT regulations.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Applications for registrations are still being received and it is too soon to make such an estimate.

24. Mr. Horam

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received asking him to zero rate taxis under VAT; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Both my right hon. Friend and I have met representatives of the taxi trade and a number of written representations have also been received. The replies have been to the effect that we cannot anticipate the Budget Statement.

27. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that all tax reductions are accounted for in information provided to the public with regard to any changes in prices occasioned by the introduction of value added tax.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Full consideration is being given to the point made by my hon. Friend in our discussions with retailers' organisations and in the planning of the public information campaign announced last month by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

28. Mr. Farr

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the analysis sent to him on 30th January 1973 by Hickling, Frith and Company, chartered accountants, 115 Loughborough Road, Leicester, showing the impact VAT will have on the smaller television rental companies, he will take steps to make it possible for them to continue in business after 1st April 1973.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

A Treasury order laid before the House on 2nd January provides for the exceptional transitional relief from VAT for television rental approved by the House last year.

43. Mr. Leonard

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has now received asking him to propose zero rating for VAT of all recognised charities.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Relatively few charities have made individual representations, but my right hon. Friend has heard from organisations representing charities collectively, such as the National Council of Social Service and the Churches Main Committee.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of the national, municipal and university museums and galleries, bearing in mind that Customs and Excise Notice 712 contains no provisions protecting them from the effects of VAT on any acquisitions they may make under this scheme.

Mr. Higgins

The position of such museums and galleries is under consideration.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bear in mind representations relating to zero rating talking book machines for blind persons for when he proposes changes in the value added tax.

Mr. Higgins

Careful consideration will be given to all representations.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bear in mind representations relating to zero rating all radio sets and other apparatus issued on permanent loan to registered blind persons by a registered charity when he makes his Budget statement.

Mr. Higgins

My right hon. Friend will bear in mind all representations made to him.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the number of firms in the fine art and antique trade who had registered for VAT by 19th February;

(2) what is the number of practising painters, draughtsmen, engravers and sculptors who had registered for VAT by 19th February.

Mr. Higgins

This information is not separately classified.

Mr. Sheldon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will postpone the introduction of the value added tax because of the change in Government estimates of the number of trades liable to registration.

Mr. Higgins

No.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the recent publicity in the Press regarding Customs and Excise Notice No. 712, why this publication is not yet available at the main West End Office at Wingate House, 93–107 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.1.

Mr. Higgins

This notice has been available at Wingate House since 20th February.