§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methods he uses to assess whether legitimate traders applying to register for VAT are being unduly inconvenienced by checks carried out by HM Customs and Excise. [38630]
§ Dawn PrimaroloCustoms work to a Charter Standard for the processing of applications for VAT registration. This requires Customs to process 95 per cent. of properly completed applications within 15 working days of receipt. As at January 2002 (latest data compiled), the Charter Standard for processing VAT registration applications was being achieved.
Customs selectively apply extended checks aimed at identifying fraudulent applications. These cases are monitored on an individual basis to ensure a balanced approach between facilitating business and protecting the revenue.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of checks carried out by VAT registration centres were carried out manually in the last year for which figures are available. [38603]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe information requested is not available.
12W
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the target times to complete and process VAT registrations and deregistrations are; and how many applications to register and deregister and what proportion of all such applications are dealt with within those time scales. [38598]
§ Dawn PrimaroloCustoms work to a Charter Standard to process 95 per cent. of properly completed applications for VAT registration within 15 working days of receipt.
In the current financial year to the end of January 2002, Customs received 169,082 applications for VAT registration and achieved the Charter Standard.
Customs received 127,725 applications for deregistration in the same period. There is no Charter Standard for deregistration processing although it is Customs' policy to deal with these promptly.