Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 November 1999. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 1999 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proposals he has submitted to the European Commission for the lowering of zero rating of VAT on labour-intensive services delivered directly to the final consumer. - (Holding answer 5 November 1999).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has submitted to the European Commission for the lowering of zero rating of VAT on labour-intensive services delivered directly to the final consumer. [97391] Dawn Primarolo: [holding answer 5 November 1999]: Zero rating would not be permitted under the experimental scheme as the new Directive only provides for reduced rates of not less than 5 per cent. Any change to VAT coverage would be for the Chancellor to decide in the next Budget.

Secondary information