Value Added Tax

HC Deb 29 March 1979 vol 965 cc345-6W

Mr. Cope

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements will be made to repay value added tax now over-

mental organisation for which he is responsible, the total expenditure for each year to 1977–78 since its establishment.

Mr. Tomlinson

There is no official definition of the term quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation. However, both my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Minister of State are able to make appointments to certain bodies which are financed wholly or partly by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Full information is not readily available in respect of the older of these bodies and could not in any event be produced other than at disproportionate cost. The amount of grant paid by my Department to each of the bodies concerned for each year since establishment or during the 10 years to 1977–78, whichever is the shorter period, is as follows:

due to taxpayers; what interest will be paid on late repayments; and whether the interest will be tax-free.

Mr. Denzil Davies

Customs and Excise regret that it is unable for the time being to make payments of VAT as the VAT computer at Southend is shut down by industrial action. It will do all it can to ensure that on the termination of industrial action repayments are resumed as quickly as possible

There is no provision in law for the payment by Customs and Excise of interest on delayed repayments of VAT.