Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to set a zero VAT rate for repairs to historic buildings; and if he will make a statement. [136995]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 8 November 2000]: EC agreements mean that we cannot introduce any new VAT zero rates. However, as the Chancellor announced in the Pre-Budget Report statement on 8 November 2000, Official Report, columns 315–27, I have written to the European Commission on the scope for reducing VAT on repairs to listed buildings that are places of worship.