§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total cost of repayments of VAT to opticians; what rebates remained unpaid after the cut off date; what representations he has received on this matter; and what action he proposes to take as a result. [3035]
§ Mr. OppenheimVAT refunds totalling about £200 million have been made to opticians. Customs and Excise does not have information on how many opticians had not made claims by 18 July, and does not hold figures centrally of those who have not received a full refund. Following the Government's announcement on 18 July, and the subsequent exposure of the related draft Finance Bill224W clauses, a number of representations on various aspects of the proposed changes have been received. They are being considered along with all other representations.