§ Mr. PorterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the increase in the costs of(a) housing, (b) travel, (c) books and newspapers, (d) children's clothes and (e) food after 2005 when the definitive system of VAT is introduced in the EU; and if he will make a statement. [11103]
§ Mr. Oppenheim[holding answer 21 January 1997]: No such estimate has been made. No agreement has been reached to introduce a definitive system of VAT in the European Community from 2005 or any other future date.
§ Mr. PorterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the EU Commission's plans for VAT after 2005; what decisions have been made about the United Kingdom's transitional system of VAT after 2005; what is the definitive system to which the Government have already agreed; and if he will make a statement. [11188]