Value Added Tax

HC Deb 06 November 1973 vol 863 cc131-2W

Mr. Faulds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an undertaking not to impose value added tax on books.

Mr. Higgins

My right hon. Friend has no plans to impose value added tax on books.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many value added tax inspectors were originally planned to represent the full establishment; and what is the size of the shortfall.

Mr. Higgins

There are no "inspectors" as such. Planning was on the basis that personal calls to check value added tax returns would be included in the duties of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 staff by 1st April 1974. About 3,400 are at present in post. The deployment of value added tax staff is continuously under review in the light of experience of the tax.