§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning the likely 1017W effect of the European Court ruling on the application of value added tax to construction work undertaken by charities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lawson[holding answer 19 October 1988]: A number of letters about the potential impact on charities have been received in response to the consultation paper issued by Customs and Excise on the implementation of the European Court ruling on VAT zero rating for construction services. In addition, Treasury Ministers have received a number of letters from hon. Members and others. Customs officials and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury have also met representatives of the charities to discuss their representations. These, along with other responses to the consultation paper, are being considered in detail; an announcement will be made in due course.