HC Deb 16 June 1988 vol 135 cc271-2W
Mr. Ashley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received from disability organisations concerning proposals from the Commission of the European Communities to impose 14 to 20 per cent. value added tax on talking books for blind and disabled people, wireless sets for blind people and on aids equipment for disabled people; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what representations he has received from charities concerning proposals from the Commission of the European Communities to impose 14 to 20 per cent. value added tax on charities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lawson

[holding answer 10 June 1988]: Ministerial colleagues and I have received a number of such representations.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Chancellor of' the Exchequer if he will tabulate in theOfficial Report those commodities formerly, or currently, subject to zero value-added tax rating, including all those in groups 1 to 17 listed in his note to the Select Committee on the Treasury and Civil Service and published by it on page 8 of its third report of Session 1987–88, (HC 248), in five separate tables to show items that: (a) were zero rated by Her Majesty's Government, but have subsequently had their zero rated status changed by virtue of actions taken, or requests made, by either the Court or the Commission of the European Economic Communities, (b) items currently the subject of infraction proceedings before the court of the European Economic Communities, (c) items currently zero rated which have been the subject of specific pledges from Ministers concerning their continued zero rated status. (d) other items of zero rating subject to current proposals from the Commission of the European Communities and (e) other zero rated items not in categories (a) to (d), showing for each item in each table (a) to (d) the rate or band of rates applied, or proposed to be applied, together with the approximate annual revenue, or range of revenue, which has accrued or is likely to accrue to Her Majesty's Government, at 1988 prices for each category, with totals for each table and grand total, and in respect of table (c) footnote references to the respective principal pledge made.

Mr. Lilley

[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1988, c. 195–96]: I regret that the first two figures in column (iii) of table (d) were mistaken. The correct figures are:

  • Sewerage services other than supplies to industry: £175 million—£250 million.
  • Water other than supplies to industry: £25 million—£75 million.