HL Deb 16 December 1999 vol 608 cc45-6WA
Lord Barnett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What independent investigation has been undertaken to validate the financial and employment consequences of a European Union-wide withholding tax. [HL409]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Neither the Commission nor the Council has undertaken any investigation of which we are aware to quantify the level of tax evasion within the EU and the reasons for it or quantified any economic benefits of this directive. In short, the Commission has undertaken no cost-benefit analysis.

Lord Barnett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will explain the proposals they intend to put forward during the new round of discussions on the European Union withholding tax following the Helsinki European Council on 10 to 11 December. [HL410]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government will set these out in due course.

Lord Barnett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which individuals, trusts and companies they believe would be adversely affected by a European-wide withholding tax. [HL411]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government have made it clear that in its present form the directive risks serious damage to EU and UK financial markets.