HC Deb 09 July 2001 vol 371 c405W
Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy not to increase VAT rates during this Parliament. [2294]

Mr. Boateng

Decisions on individual areas of taxation are considered on an annual basis as part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's overall Budget judgment. The Government have renewed their pledge not to extend VAT to food, children's clothes, books, newspapers and public transport fares for the duration of this Parliament.