HC Deb 15 December 1994 vol 251 cc784-5W
20. Ms Eagle

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on living standards.

Sir George Young

I refer to the oral answer that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) earlier today.

22. Mr. Bayley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to reduce the basic rate of VAT during the life of the current Parliament.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

As my right hon. and learned Friend made clear in his Budget, he has no plans to reduce the standard rate of VAT.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) at what financial threshold the decision is taken in respect of the prosecution of an individual or organisation for value added tax avoidance;

(2) what is his estimate of the level of value added tax avoidance.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

[holding answer 13 December 1994]: Tax avoidance is not an offence. There are no comprehensive, reliable estimates for the total of VAT avoided.

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