§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the effects of his proposed increase of VAT to 15 per cent. he will take steps to zero rate food and drinks sold at places of work and from vending machines.
§ Mr. Peter Rees,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 17 July 1979], gave the following answer:
No. 1 do not accept that relief is necessary as the average family will be better off as a result of the Budget proposals. Nor do I think it would be right to provide a relief which would discriminate against those who do not have these facilities at their places of work.