§ Mr. PortilloTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the remit of the European Union's Taxation Policy Group. [114226]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 14 March 2000]: The Taxation Policy Group was established following the Dublin European Council in December 1996 which noted the ECOFIN Council conclusions of November 1996. These conclusions welcomed a proposal for a group made up of member states and the Commission as set out in "Taxation in the European Union—Report on the Development of Tax Systems" of October 1996 (Com(96)546).
The Taxation Policy Group has no power to take decisions. EU tax decisions are a matter for member states, acting by unanimity, within the Council.
§ Mr. PortilloTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what position was taken by Her Majesty's Government on(a) improving the VAT system in the internal market and (b) company taxation in the European Community, at the meeting of the European Union's Taxation Policy Group on 2 March. [114228]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 14 March 2000]: The UK position at the meeting was wholly consistent with our public statements.
§ Mr. PortilloTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the agendas and minutes of the meetings of the EU Taxation Policy Group which have taken place to date. [114227]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 14 March 2000]: It has not normally been the Commission's practice to issue minutes. I will ensure that the agendas of Taxation Policy Group meetings are placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. PortilloTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who attends meetings of the European Union's Taxation Policy Group on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. [114225]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 14 March 2000]: I am the Government's lead representative on the Taxation Policy Group. If I am unable to attend, senior officials may attend on my behalf.