§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 29 April to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman),Official Report, column 508, if the representations he has received supporting the need to use the tax system to help fulfil the Government's Rio commitment have (a) specifically supported the use of value added tax as the instrument to do so, (b) supported the imposition of VAT on standing charges or (c) proposed alternative ways of using the tax system in this regard.
§ Sir John CopeA number of representations my right hon. Friend received specifically supported the use of VAT as an instrument to help fulfil the United Kingdom's Rio commitment. For example, the Friends of the Earth said in its Budget briefing
Friends of the Earth therefore welcomes the Chancellor's commitment to increasing domestic fuel and power prices over the next two years through the gradual imposition of VAT.Standing charges were not mentioned in any representations, and alternative ways of using the tax system were proposed in some of the representations received.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to impose value added tax on newspapers, periodicals, books or other publications; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir John CopeMy right hon. Friend's plans for VAT changes are set out in the Budget and the Finance (No. 2) Bill and do not extend VAT in this area.