Value Added Tax (Works of Art)

HC Deb 23 July 1973 vol 860 cc281-2W

Mr. Faulds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now instruct Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to discuss the problems arising from value added tax on antiques and works of art with dealers and auctioneers who are not represented by the Fine Art Trade Working Party, bearing in mind that the membership of the working party is limited to representatives of the British Antique Dealers' Association, the Society of London Art Dealers, Christie's and Sotheby's.

Mr. Higgins

No instruction from me is necessary. Customs and Excise has always been and continues to be ready to discuss value added tax problems with any trader concerned.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied with the working of the requirement that art and antique dealers must obtain the signature of customers to the certificate required under section 5 of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise Notice No. 712 where this is appropriate to a transaction within the scheme.

Mr. Higgins

I have no evidence at present to indicate that this is not working satisfactorily.