HC Deb 05 March 1998 vol 307 cc721-2W
Mr. John Cryer

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if future discussions in ECOFIN about tax harmonisation will include discussion of income tax rates. [30603]

Dawn Primarolo

The Government's firm view is that decisions on income tax is a matter for national Governments.

Mr. John Cryer

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Waterson) of 12 February 1998,Official Report, column 536, which areas of tax have been covered by discussions in ECOFIN regarding aspects of tax harmonisation. [30693]

Dawn Primarolo

A variety of tax proposals have been discussed at ECOFIN since May 1997 including Taxation of Savings, Internet and Royalties for cross border payments. Reduced Rates of VAT for labour intensive industries and the Energy Products Directive. The outcome of each ECOFIN has been reported to the House and all the Commission's proposals on tax matters discussed have been the subject of Explanatory Memoranda.

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