§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 January 1998,Official Report, column 708, who was involved in the decision not to reduce VAT on church buildings. [28010]
§ Dawn PrimaroloNo decision was required. EC law does not allow a reduced rate for church buildings. There is no conflict between our policy objectives and EC law.
The Government believe it is more efficient to help to preserve the heritage by means of direct grants.