§ Mr. Freudasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of harmonisation of value added tax on the commercial viability of the British antique trade; what letters he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe effect would depend on the nature of the harmonisation—a hypothetical question. I have received a number of letters from the arts and antique trade and from the Museums and Galleries Commission.
468W
§ Mr. Gouldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual value of zero-rated transactions in the United Kingdom on those goods and services which are the subject of infraction proceedings before the European Court on the issue of whether or not they should be subjected to value added tax.
§ Mr. BrookeI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of harmonisation of value added tax on the art market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe question is entirely hypothetical, but the effects would depend on the nature of the harmonisation.