HC Deb 19 July 2001 vol 372 cc371-2W
10. Tim Loughton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on manufacturing competitiveness of changes to the tax burden in the UK and other OECD countries in recent years. [3331]

11. Mr. George Osborne

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the impact of taxation on the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector; and if he will make a statement. [R] [3332]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Government recognise the difficulties that manufacturers are experiencing because of the slowdown in the world economy and the weakness of the euro. No country can ever insulate itself from world economic events. The Government's primary economic task is to create the right conditions of macro-economic stability within which all businesses, including manufacturers, can develop their potential; the Government keep all taxes under review and the changes to the tax system are considered as part of the normal Budget process, taking into account implications for the UK's international competitiveness.

14. Mr. Fallon

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the UK's comparative position in international competitiveness. [3336]

Mr. Boateng

Since 1997 the Government have established the lowest inflation in the EU and highest employment of almost any country in the OECD. We have started a programme of structural reform to strengthen competition and promote enterprise, innovation and skills.

And we will do more—starting with the reforms we have already announced to make our competition regime truly world-class.

21. Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of levels of taxation on the competitiveness of the UK. [3344]

Dawn Primarolo

The Government keep all taxes under review, and changes to the tax system are considered as part of the normal Budget process.

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