Value Added Tax

HC Deb 24 February 1977 vol 926 cc680-1W

14. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce a single rate of VAT.

Mr. Denzil Davies

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

36. Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the outcome of the Fiscal Council's discussions in Brussels recently on the draft Sixth Directive in relation to the small traders' exemption limit for VAT.

Mr. Denzil Davies

As my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary explained in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Mrs. Miller) on 26th January, it was generally agreed that member States would be free to maintain their existing turnover limits for the registration of small businesses. There have been no further developments since then.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated proportion of VAT per week in the average household expenditure.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

It is estimated that in 1976 about 5 per cent, of consumers' expenditure was VAT.

Mr. David Howell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement concerning the United Kingdom Government's policy in relation to the EEC, on the value in real terms of the £5,000 lower level for registration for value added tax.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

For the present situation regarding EEC discussions on this point I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Mrs. Miller) on 26th January 1977.—[Vol. 924, c.647–9.] The Government's policy is to ensure that any agreement leaves member States free to deal in a realistic fashion with the problem of the registration threshold.

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to reduce the amount of form filling imposed on companies, he will make information on VAT returns available to the Price Commission.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.