§ 32. Mr. John Greenwayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements are being made, during the current industrial action by Customs and Excise staff, to ensure that value added tax repayments are expedited; and if businesses receiving their repayments late will automatically receive the late payment supplement.
§ Mr. BrookeIndustrial action at the VAT computer system at Shoeburyness ceased on Monday 29 June. The system is currently being restored to normal working and repayments of VAT will be given a high priority during this period of recovery. Repayments unreasonably delayed more than 30 days will automatically receive an additional payment of 5 per cent. of the repayment claimed.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has on the effect on retailers of the delay arising from the breakdown of the value added tax computer at Shoeburyness in the repayments of moneys due to them; if he will take steps to ensure the earliest possible repayment of such moneys; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lawson[pursuant to his reply, 1 July 1987, c. 95]: No detailed information is available but I understand that temporary cash flow difficulties have been reported by a number of traders. The computer system at Shoeburyness is currently being restored to normal working and repayments of VAT will be given a high priority during this period of recovery. Repayments unreasonably delayed more than 30 days will receive an additional payment of 5 per cent. of the repayment claimed.