Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 September 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 October 2002. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what improvements have been made to the collection of statistics published on 5th May 1998, 311 c331; what plans he has to introduce new indices of indirect taxation; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what improvements have been made to the collection of statistics published on 5 May 1998, Official Report, column 331; what plans he has to introduce new indices of indirect taxation; and if he will make a statement. [74556] Dawn Primarolo: The statistics in question relate to ``typical'' families in the UK. The impact of indirect taxes on a typical family are imprecise as spending patterns vary widely between households with the same composition and income level. We have no plans to introduce new indices of indirect taxation.

Secondary information