§ Mr. MadelTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take on the joint Organisation 627W for Economic Co-operation and Development and Council of Europe convention on mutual administration assistance in tax matters, which was opened for signature on 25 January.
§ Mr. Norman LamontWe have already undertaken to consult widely among interested parties before reaching a decision on whether the United Kingdom should sign this convention and, if so, with what reservations. I have therefore asked the Inland Revenue to seek the views of the representative bodies which have expressed an interest in this matter, including the CBI and representative bodies of the accountancy and legal professions. We will be glad to consider any views which any other interested party may wish to express. Comments should be sent by the end of September. An Inland Revenue press release issued today gives further details.