§ Mr. Whitneyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to restore the normal operation of the value added tax office at Southend which has failed to pay value added tax rebates for the months of December and January owing to exporters.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonValue added tax repayment claims for periods ending 31 December were due to be rendered by 31 January. All repayment claims which were received at the VAT central unit by 13 February and which passed the normal prescribed checks have been paid.
The VAT computer at Southend is shut down by industrial action. Customs and Excise regrets that it is unable for the time being to make repayments of VAT. It is trying to ensure that on the termination of industrial action repayments are resumed as quickly as possible.