§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the effect of the recent increase in VAT on manufacturers and wholesalers of pre-price-marked goods currently in stock and unsold before the price increase takes effect.
§ Mr. LeighTraders selling to the consumer must ensure that he is not misled as to the price at which they are offering goods for sale. If a retailer decides to recover the increase in the rate of VAT in respect of pre-price marked goods, he will have to ensure that the consumer is not misled as to their price. It would be for the retailer and the manufacturer or wholesaler to agree on whom the burden of any necessary relabelling should fall.