§ Sir William Clarkasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his legislative proposals in the Finance Bill for the implementation of the value added tax recommendations of the Keith committee report will include any change in the proposal for assessments to counter possible loss of tax, jeopardy assessments, included in exposure clauses published by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in November 1984.
§ Mr. HayhoeI have decided that no such clause should be included in this year's Finance Bill. The Government remain of the view that there is merit in the Keith committee recommendations for action to prevent the disposal of assets so as to avoid payment of tax debts. Both my hon. Friend and some other respondents to the consultative document have, however, drawn attention to certain problems in the jeopardy assessment approach. The proposal will therefore be deferred to allow Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to undertake a further review of the best means of achieving the intended purpose.