HC Deb 10 December 1975 vol 902 cc251-2W
Mr. Cope

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to amend the disparity revealed by the judgment of the Leeds VAT Tribunal, in the case of Benton v. Customs and Excise, when it was held that pilferage of cash from the till of a bar was chargeable to VAT although pilferage of drinks was not chargeable.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

A registered trader is accountable for VAT on the value of goods he has supplied and his liability is not reduced if any of the takings received for those goods are stolen. On the other hand, if goods are stolen from his stock he will not have made a taxable supply of those goods and, therefore, he is not accountable for VAT on them. I have no plans to change this position.

Mr. Wakeham

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the revenue from 25 per cent. VAT on small boats and accessories is reaching his estimate.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) on 10th November.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will withdraw Customs and Excise leaflet No. 12/75/VMG which purports to apply the 25 per cent. VAT rate to television rental contracts entered into for 12 months prior to 1st August 1975 for the whole 12 month period;

(2) if he is aware that annual contracts for television rentals are not subject to the refund of VAT following the decision of this House to reduce the rate for existing contracts from 25 per cent. to 8 per cent., on unexpired portions of contracts dating from 1st August onwards; and if he will introduce legislation to amend the situation.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Customs and Excise leaflet No. 12 /75 /VMG (VAT on Television Rental Charges) was issued on 29th July 1975 to explain the effect of the decision taken by the House, which I do not propose to change.

Mr. Orbach

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the monthly figures of collection of the 25 per cent. rate of VAT, to the latest available date, in the industries concerned, together with comparable figures for 1974.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

I regret that this information is not available.