HC Deb 22 January 2004 vol 416 c1419W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the standard for exchange of information set out in the Double Taxation Agreement between the UK and Switzerland. [149923]

Dawn Primarolo

In broad terms, the Agreement provides for each country to exchange such information at their disposal as is necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Agreement so long as doing so would not disclose any trade, business, banking, industrial or professional secret or trade process and would not be at variance with the regulations and practice of either country.

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implications for the current Double Taxation Agreement between the UK and Switzerland of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Report on Improving Access to Bank Information for Tax Purposes: The 2003 Progress Report, with particular reference to exchange of information on criminal, civil and administrative matters. [149924]

Dawn Primarolo

This Government are committed to effective exchange of information between countries as a vital tool in the fight against cross border tax evasion and avoidance. We have been at the forefront of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's initiative on improving access to bank information for tax purposes. We shall continue to urge those countries that have not yet taken the necessary steps to allow appropriate access to bank information for all tax purposes, to do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what agreements the Government have entered into with Switzerland in compliance with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development standard for exchange of information for tax purposes by 2006. [149925]

Dawn Primarolo

The UK has entered into no such agreements.

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assurances the Government has given to Switzerland in relation to the EU Directive on the Taxation of Savings Income, under the Double Taxation Agreement, with particular reference to exchange of information in criminal, civil and adminstrative matters. [149926]

Dawn Primarolo

The Government has not given any assurances to Switzerland under the Double Taxation Agreement in relation to the EU Directive on the Taxation of Savings Income.