§ 40. Mr. WoodwardTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has made to Ministers on the reduction of VAT on conversion schemes for historic churches. [96163]
§ Mr. Stuart BellI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for the Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) and for Chipping Barnet (Sir S. Chapman). I have raised the Church's concerns directly with my colleagues at the Treasury responsible for the oversight of the ongoing review of charity taxation. Following the latest submission of evidence and the overwhelming support given by General Synod to changes in the VAT regime as it affects the Church, we have written to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury seeking a meeting to expand on the thrust of the Church's case.
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§ 42. Mr. BurnsTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has made to Ministers on the reduction of VAT on conversion projects for historic churches. [96165]
§ Mr. Stuart BellI refer to my answer given to the hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Woodward). As the representative of the Church Commissioners, I am in frequent touch with colleagues in Government and have raised the Church's concerns in connection with VAT and listed buildings in support of the various submissions made by the Church to the ongoing charity tax review.