HC Deb 24 January 2000 vol 343 c112W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to allow the National Crime Squad and the National Criminal Intelligence Service to reclaim value added tax paid on their normal policing activities. [106532]

Dawn Primarolo

No. VAT incurred by police authorities in the course of their normal policing activities can be recovered under section 33 of the VAT Act 1994. The National Crime Squad and National Criminal Intelligence Service are not police authorities and they are not eligible to recover VAT under the terms of this provision.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy to continue to exempt from value added tax(a) finance and insurance and (b) betting, gaming and lotteries; and if he will make a statement. [106637]

Mr. Timms

Yes. EC law requires member states to exempt these services.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy to maintain zero-rating for value added tax purposes on(a) construction of new dwellings, (b) books, newspapers and magazines and (c) international passenger transport; and if he will make a statement. [106636]

Dawn Primarolo

We have no current plans to remove these zero-rates. Any changes to VAT coverage would be for the Chancellor to decide in the next Budget.