§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture. Media and Sport what discussions he has had (1) with sports clubs concerning a more favourable regime with regard to(a) business rates and (b) VAT; [151832]
(2) with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on business rates and their impact on sports clubs; [151834]
(3) with the Treasury on VAT and its impact on sports clubs. [151833]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 1 March 2001]: In the course of this year and last, I have held a number of meetings with ministerial colleagues and representatives from across the sports sector including the Central Council of Physical Recreation to discuss the general issue of the taxation burden facing community amateur sports clubs. I have also received a number of representations directly from voluntary sports clubs. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced, the Government will consult in the coming months on the best way for tax relief to help community amateur sports clubs.