HC Deb 16 July 1985 vol 83 cc83-4W
Mr. Latham

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on his policy regarding the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Communities in the case of Direct Cosmetics Ltd. and the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.

Mr. Hayhoe

As I indicated to my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe on 8 May (Official Report, column 402), a formal submission was made to the European Commission seeking to restore the VAT valuation provisions which the European Court of Justice judgment rendered ultra vires. The submission succeeded and the powers were restored on 12 June. New directions have been issued by Customs which took effect on 1 July. Claims have been invited from traders who consider that they may have overpaid tax.