§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from small businesses concerning the possibility that he will withdraw the option for repayment traders to submit their tax returns and obtain repayment of value added tax on a monthly basis; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Peter ReesAltogether 244 representations have been received by Treasury Ministers and by Customs and Excise concerning the possible withdrawal of monthly returns for traders claiming repayments of value added tax. It is not possible to say how many of these came from small businesses.
Replies to representations have stated that as part of their announced intention to find ways of reducing the size and cost of the Civil Service the Government are looking at ways of reducing the work of administering VAT. One possibility would be to withdraw the option for repayment traders to submit their tax returns and obtain repayment of VAT on a monthly basis. No decision has yet been taken and all those concerned have been assured that their views will be taken fully into account in the Government's considerations.