Harmful Tax Competition

HC Deb 14 May 1998 vol 312 cc178-9W

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the meeting of the EU Committee on Harmful Tax Competition held on 8 May. [42052]

Dawn Primarolo

The first meeting of the EC Code of Conduct Group on 8 May covered the chairmanship of the Group and initial plans for a work programme to review Member States' business tax measures which may be harmful within the meaning of the Code.

I am pleased to report that I received unanimous support from the members of the Group and was consequently appointed Chair for an initial two-year period. This is yet another example of the Government's determination to play a central role in Europe.