§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to the implications for philatelists of the reorganisation of value added tax system in the European Community after 1992; whether he has considered a lower rate of value added tax for second-hand stamps and stamps purchased by collectors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 13 January 1989]: Discussions on the shape of the VAT system post-1992 are at an early stage but the Government have already made it clear that they consider the European Commission's proposals for the approximation of VAT rates to be 82W (c) cigars and (d) pipe tobacco for the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available, and for the preceding 12-month period.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 13 January 1989]: The latest estimates of consumers' expenditure on tobacco products for the 12 month period to September 1988 and for the preceding 12 months are as follows:
unnecessary for the completion of the single market. If the hon. Member sees particular difficulties ahead for philatelists perhaps he would write to me.