§ Mr. Bestasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect in a full year (i) on the increase of the retail price index and (ii) on consequent increase in payment of benefits of the imposition of value added tax at the standard rate on each of the following: (a) children's clothing, (b) children's shoes, (c) fuel and (d) all food.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe impact effect on the RPI is estimated to be about 0.2 per cent. for children's clothing and footwear, about 1 per cent. for fuel, and about 2.6 per cent. for all food items which are currently zero-rated.
Each 1 per cent. increase in social security benefit rates is estimated to cost about £350 million in a full year.