§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the impact of industrial competitiveness of subsidies, direct or indirect, to publishing in other EC countries; and what representations he has made to the European Commission on this matter.
§ Mr. SainsburyI have made no such representations about publishing, but my Department very regularly takes 513W up complaints with the Commission on behalf of business in all sectors of industry. I am concerned that United Kingdom firms should not lose business unfairly to competitors in other member states and will pursue vigorously any cases brought to our attention.
§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received about the potential impact on industrial competitiveness from imposition of VAT on books.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonA number of representations have been received on this subject from organisations connected with the publishing industry. Taxation is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.