HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 c24W
Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider a dispensation of the increased rate of value added tax on showground admissions in the special circumstances which apply to agricultural societies.

Mr. Peter Rees

I regret that we cannot allow such a dispensation.

Mr. Marlow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the loss of value added tax resulting from strikes in British industry in the last 12 months.

Mr. Peter Rees

It is not possible to make an estimate of the increase or decrease in VAT revenue. Value added tax is a tax on expenditure. The connection between variations in expenditure and variations from whatever cause in output and earnings is tenuous.