§ 36. Miss McIntoshTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on reducing the rate of VAT on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. [141909]
§ Mr. Stuart BellI was very encouraged, as indeed was the Church of England in general, by the announcement on 8 November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of Exchequer that the Government wish to seek a reduction in the rate of VAT levied on repairs to listed buildings that are places of worship. I understand that a letter has already been sent to the European Commission on the scope for such a reduction. Any reductions in VAT realised in this area would directly benefit thousands of parishes who currently bear a very heavy and ongoing VAT burden in respect of the necessary repair of their churches.