Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 February 1997. It was answered by Phillip Oppenheim (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 February 1997 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: What plans he has to make it his policy to suspend the implementation of the proposed changes to the option to tax provisions in relation to the value-added tax treatment of commercial property rents; what consultations he has had with developers and landlords of commercial property prior to the decision to implement those changes; what further plans he has to consult about the impact of those changes. - (Holding answer 11 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to make it his policy to suspend the implementation of the proposed changes to the option to tax provisions in relation to the value added tax treatment of commercial property rents; what consultations he has had with developers and landlords of commercial property before the decision to implement those changes; what further plans he has to consult about the impact of those changes; and if he will make a statement. [15377] Mr. Oppenheim: [holding answer 11 February 1997]: I made a statement on the range of possible Report stage amendments during the Standing Committee debate on 12 February. Anti-avoidance measures are not normally discussed before the Budget statement, although on this occasion some general discussions took place between customs and a property sector liaison group. There has since been a series of meetings with the major trade and professional bodies representing the industry.

Secondary information