EU Tax Package

HL Deb 04 July 2002 vol 637 cc52-3WA

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 13 June (WA 44–46), whether they discussed the European Union tax package with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man before giving their consent to its provisions in the Economic and Finance Council of Ministers (ECOFIN); and, if not, why not. [HL4828]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

There were contacts between the Government and the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man prior to the debate in the ECOFIN Council meeting of 1 December 1997 on measures to tackle harmful tax competition.

ECOFIN's aim is to reach agreement on the EU tax package by the end of 2002. The Government have had extensive discussions with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man in advance of this deadline, and continue to do so.