§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Electricity Council and British Gas about the implications for their industries and consumers of the proceedings on the levying of value added tax, initiated in the European Court of Justice on 15 September; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LilleyThe European Court of Justice is not expected to issue its judgment until some time in the new year. The judgment's detailed implications, if any, for individual industries will need to be assessed when the judgment is issued. The Government have not yet held discussions with the Electricity Council or British Gas.