Church Buildings (VAT)

HC Deb 15 March 1999 vol 327 cc518-9W

Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the proposal to exempt from VAT payments works to church buildings. [75171]

Ms Hewitt

Treasury Ministers have received numerous letters asking for a zero rate of VAT for repairs to church buildings. Repairs to all existing buildings have always been standard rated. Under the provisions of the sixth VAT directive we cannot introduce a new zero rate.