HC Deb 03 February 2000 vol 343 cc683-4W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect the new Construction Industry Scheme arrangements will have on the construction plant hire industry. [104892]

Dawn Primarolo

The purpose of the new Construction Industry Scheme, which took effect on 1 August 1999, is to tackle tax fraud and evasion across the industry as a whole. The Inland Revenue are continuing to consult with representative bodies about areas of the scheme which are causing difficulties.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Construction Plant Hire Association. [104893]

Dawn Primarolo

The Inland Revenue are continuing to consult with representative bodies about the new scheme and the areas of difficulty which have been brought to their attention. They are considering all the points which have been made to them.