HC Deb 08 February 1973 vol 850 cc160-1W
26. Mr. Fry

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of a negative rate of value added tax at 7½ per cent. and 10 per cent. on food.

Mr. Higgins

If my hon. Friend means subsidies of 7½ and 10 per cent. on final consumer expenditure on food probably about £550 million and £750 million respectively.

Mr. Farr

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring newspaper delivery charges into line with newspapers and exempt such charges from VAT.

Mr. Higgins

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give further consideration to placing the noncommercial fund-raising activities of charities on the same basis as the welfare and non-business activities of local authorities so far as VAT is concerned.

Mr. Higgins

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many charities will now be liable to VAT; and if he will list them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Higgins

This information is not available.