§ Mr. Cormackasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received asking for the value added tax to be removed from the live theatre.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonAbout 10 since the April 1975 Budget. On 16th January 1976 I had a meeting with the Chairman of the Theatres' National Committee, and on 3rd March 1976 I met a deputation from the Theatres' Advisory Council led by its Chairman, my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short).
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether VAT is levied in the case of a fine art auctioneer who sells works of art with a buyer's premium but without any selling commission;
254W(2) whether art and antique dealers who sell works of art on behalf of clients, charging the purchaser a buyers' premium, may treat the transaction for VAT purposes in precisely the same way as fine art auctioneers who also charge a buyer's premium.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe VAT treatment of any charge must depend upon its nature and purpose, not necessarily upon the name given to it. If my hon. Friend would care to send me details of any particular case he has in mind, I should be glad to advise him.