§ Ms QuinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to lowering the VAT rate levied on energy-saving equipment including insulation and draughtproofing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir John CopeMy right hon. Friend keeps all taxes under review, but no Chancellor normally proposes changes in rates outside the Budget statement. In the sixth EC VAT directive, the United Kingdom Government agreed in 1977 that no new zero rates would be introduced.