Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2000. It was answered by Stuart Bell (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2000 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Church Commissioners

Question: To ask the honourable Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on reducing the rate of VAT on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on reducing the rate of VAT on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. [141909] Mr. Stuart Bell: I was very encouraged, as indeed was the Church of England in general, by the announcement on 8 November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of Exchequer that the Government wish to seek a reduction in the rate of VAT levied on repairs to listed buildings that are places of worship. I understand that a letter has already been sent to the European Commission on the scope for such a reduction. Any reductions in VAT realised in this area would directly benefit thousands of parishes who currently bear a very heavy and ongoing VAT burden in respect of the necessary repair of their churches.

Secondary information