§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what powers the European Commission intends to take the United Kingdom to court over VAT on auctioneers' fees; [11308]
(2) on what date he was notified of the intention of the EU Commission to initiative proceedings against the United Kingdom on VAT on auctions of art, antiques and other items sold at auctions. [11307]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 29 July 1997]: The EC Commission announced its decision to initiate the first formal stage of proceedings in a press release issued on 24 July.
If the EC Commission eventually decides to take the matter to the European Court of Justice, it would do no so under article 169 of the EC treaty.