§ Mrs. GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on competitiveness for new and current businesses which may be affected by the application of VAT on bridge tolls with particular regard to the Tamar Bridge; and what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about this matter. [133094]
§ Mr. CabornThe Tamar Bridge is owned and operated jointly by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council. It would be for them, in the first instance, to make such an assessment in setting toll charges. This Department has supported the Government's vigorous defence of its policy of not levying VAT on toll charges, in the proceedings before the European Court of Justice.