§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he has taken regarding the request sent to him for an early meeting by the Charities VAT Reform Group in order to discuss the removal of value added tax from registered charities which take care of the disabled; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyne[pursuant to his reply, 25 October 1982, c. 256]:My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer looked very carefully before this year's Budget at the possibility of providing VAT relief for charities, and I met the VAT Reform Group in February to discuss its proposals in detail, but we reluctantly concluded that neither general relief nor selective relief nor certain charities was feasible. The VAT Reform Group has recently renewed its representations in general terms and my right hon. and learned Friend has expressed a willingness to consider any practical considerations that it may believe to have been overlooked.