HC Deb 12 May 1998 vol 312 cc80-1W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on(a) income and (b) employment, in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom of the abolition of internal European Union tax-free sales in 1999, with particular reference to the Scotch whisky sector; and if he will make a statement. [41171]

Dawn Primarolo

No assessment has been made of the effect on income or employment in the Scotch Whisky sector in the United Kingdom of the abolition of intra-EU duty and tax-free sales in 1999.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages to the United Kingdom of the abolition of internal European Union tax-free sales in 1999. [41174]

Dawn Primarolo

Customs and Excise have advised me that the abolition of intra-EU and duty-free sales in 1999 may result in an increase in Customs' receipts of about £100 million in a full year. This is very much a provisional estimate.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the abolition of internal European Union tax-free sales will be on the agenda of the next ECOFIN meeting. [41172]

Dawn Primarolo

This issue is on the agenda for the next ECOFIN Council meeting to be held on 19 May 1998.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with European finance ministers regarding possible structural assistance to industries and areas which face a loss of business as a result of the abolition of internal European Union tax-free sales; and if he will press for such financial assistance to be given. [41173]

Dawn Primarolo

I have had no such discussions with European finance ministers regarding possible structural assistance to be given to industries or areas which face a loss of business as a result of the abolition of intra-EU duty and tax-free sales in 1999.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on patterns of tourism to and from the United Kingdom of the abolition of internal European Union tax-free sales in 1999; and if he will make a statement. [41170]

Dawn Primarolo

No assessment has been made of the impact on patterns of tourism to and from the United Kingdom of the abolition of intra-EU duty and tax-free sales in 1999.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to respond to the resolution of the Transport Ministers Council on 17 March calling on ECOFIN to ensure that a study is undertaken of the impact of abolition of duty free within the European Union. [41222]

Dawn Primarolo

This matter is on the agenda for the next ECOFIN Council meeting to be held on 19 May 1998.