§ Mrs. Doris Fisherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bear in mind the position of the charitable work undertaken by the Royal Air Forces Association in preparing his proposals for VAT.
§ Mr. HigginsI have noted the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mrs. Doris Fisherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bear in mind, in framing his VAT proposals, the fact that charities organise fetes, garden parties, boxing nights, Derby film evenings and many other money-raising activities and ensure that they can perform their primary charitable functions without having to bear the cost of non-deductible input taxes and also output taxes.
§ Mr. HigginsI have noted the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. Orbachasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many additional civil servants have been employed since 1970 in anticipation of the introduction of VAT; and how many more it is now proposed to employ during 1973–74, in order to ensure that the tax is effectively and efficiently collected.
§ Mr. HigginsApproximately 5,500 extra staff have been taken on by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise up to 15th February 1973. Staff requirements in 1973–74 will be subject to review in the light of experience of the working of the tax and the number of traders who become registered.