Written question asked by David Heathcoat-Amory (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Phillip Oppenheim (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: If, as part of the programme for a Common System of VAT, he will agree to changing the status of the EC VAT Committee from an advisory committee to a regulatory committee with powers of implementation.

Answer: Mr. Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, as part of the programme for a common system of VAT, he will agree to changing the status of the EC VAT Committee from an advisory committee to a regulatory committee with powers of implementation. [20075] Mr. Oppenheim: The Government support limited reform of the VAT Committee with a view to improving its operation, but would oppose a change in its status to that of a regulatory Committee. The Government believe that unanimity in the Council should remain the basis for EC decisions on VAT matters.

Secondary information