HC Deb 06 December 1979 vol 975 cc287-8W
27. Mr. Adley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that value added tax is an efficient, effective and fair form of taxation.

Mr. Peter Rees

I would not claim that value added tax, any more than other forms of indirect taxation, is without its disadvantages, but it is effective in raising a large amount of revenue at relatively low cost to the Exchequer. In view of the widespread reliefs which it provides by zero-rating and exemption, it is also, I think, reasonably fair in its application.

29. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to zero-rate for value added tax babies' feeding bottles.

Mr. Peter Rees

No.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning repayments of value added tax being made quarterly instead of monthly; and when he expects to be able to make an announcement on the timing of repayments.

Mr. Peter Rees

Representations have been received from, or on behalf of, the Confederation of British Industry, the National Chamber of Trade, the National Federation of Building Trades Employers, the Federation of Master Builders, the National Farmers Union, the Provincial Wholesale Newspaper Distributors Association, the National Pharmaceutical Association, the General Council of British Shipping, and a number of individuals.

No decision on the change has yet been made.

32. Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the present value added tax threshold limit.

Mr. Peter Rees

I am satisfied with the limit at the present time.

42. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the present range of essential household goods upon which value added tax is charged.

Mr. Peter Rees

Yes.