§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has yet decided whether his proposed value-added tax would apply to electricity ; what is the likely effect on electricity tariffs for consumers ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HigginsAs my right hon. Friend said in his Budget speech, the precise rates and coverage of the value-added tax are matters for decision nearer the time of its introduction. Until those decisions are taken, it is not possible to say what effect its introduction might have on any particular item.