§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was received from value added tax levied on fees charged by veterinary surgeons in the last financial year for which figures are available; and how much was received from VAT on medicines sold by veterinary surgeries; and if he will reduce the level. [18932]
§ Dawn PrimaroloIn the year to 31 March 1997, £80 million net VAT was received from veterinary practices. Figures are not separately available for VAT on veterinary surgeons' fees and medicines sold by veterinary surgeries, as veterinary practices are not required to show these amounts separately on their VAT returns. The Government have no plans to reduce the level of VAT on such supplies. However, there is already a VAT zero rate on veterinary medicines where they are supplied to animal welfare charities that provide treatment to sick animals.