HC Deb 14 May 2002 vol 385 c571W
Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the cost to HM Treasury of reducing the liability for VAT to 5 per cent. for small museums; and if he will make a statement; [55585]

(2) if he will make it his policy to reduce the liability for VAT to 5 per cent. for small museums; and if he will make a statement; [55587]

(3) if he will make a statement on the impact of VAT on small museums. [55586]

Mr. Boateng

The impact of VAT on museums and other bodies depends upon their individual circumstances. No detailed assessment has been made either of the impact of VAT on small museums or of the cost of introducing a reduced VAT rate for them. The Government have no plans to introduce such a reduced rate.