HL Deb 06 June 2000 vol 613 cc144-5WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they respond to the observations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants that press releases and related materials issued by the Treasury in the context of this year's Budget "are being given a political slant which obscures vital technical issues"; and whether the Budget press releases improve public understanding of the tax system. [HL2653]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government have implemented a transparent and open framework for fiscal policy, and believe it is important to explain the reasons for tax changes and how they will work in practice. The Budget press releases and related materials, including the Financial Statement and Budget Report, the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report, and technical notes provide full, clear and accurate information about the Government's policies. They are both informative and objective.