HC Deb 11 May 1988 vol 133 cc138-9W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish tables showing the changes which would occur in tax levels on petrol, cigarettes, alcohol and other items of consumer expenditure in consequence of the measures recommended by the European Commission for the harmonisation of indirect taxation.

Mr. Lilley

I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 23 March at columns124–26 (tables (a) and (c)) and 24 March at column 196.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the increase or decrease in tax revenue stemming from petrol and diesel oil, alcohol, tobacco and other items, respectively, in consequence of the recommendations of the EEC Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lilley

I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 23 March at columns124–26 (table (b)) and 24 March at column 196.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received information from the EEC Commission about whether its tax harmonisation proposals will be subject to unanimity; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lilley

No such information is necessary. The unanimity requirement is written into article 17 of the Single European Act.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on United Kingdom industry and commerce of the proposals by the EEC Commission on tax on petrol and diesel oil; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lilley

We estimate that the direct impact of the Commission's proposals for the harmonisation of the duties on petrol and diesel oil would be a reduction in duty payable of approximately £250 million in a full year.

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