§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on discussions with European partners on obtaining a reduced rate of value added tax on repairs and maintenance of church buildings. [81527]
§ Mr. BellThe Churches Main Committee will be represented on the delegation I am leading to Brussels. The committee has made a submission to the European Commission urging that the rate of VAT on the repair and maintenance of listed places of worship be reduced to 5 per cent. I welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer's indications of support from the UK Government for this case and the churches have discussed their submission with HM Treasury who I understand are preparing the Government's own representations on this matter.