§ 29. Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy towards the proposed European withholding tax. [56889]
§ Dawn PrimaroloWe are in favour of effective international action against tax evasion. Action confined to the Community will be limited in its effectiveness but may be useful as part of a move towards wider action. However, we will not agree to any course of action which would seriously damage the UK and other European financial markets.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the proposed European withholding tax. [56879]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Government are taking an active part in discussions on the draft Directive. We have made it clear on a number of occasions that we will not agree to any course of action which would seriously damage the UK and other European financial markets.