§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the implications of the possible imposition of VAT on public transport fares for(a) increased use of private cars and traffic congestion and (b) air pollution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryI have been asked to reply. Tax changes are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget on 29 November. As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, I am unable to comment at this time on the level of consideration given to any particular matter.