Written question asked by Harry Barnes (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 May 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 May 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what powers she has to prevent two master franchises within the same trading scheme in the United Kingdom from using coercive attempts to press their franchisees with registering for VAT as a means of the master franchises obtaining an exemption under the provisions of the Trading Schemes Act 1996; and if she will make a statement. - There are no such powers under the Trading Schemes Act and Registration for VAT is a matter for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

Answer: Mr. Barnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers she has to prevent two master franchises within the same trading scheme in the United Kingdom from using coercive attempts to press their franchisees with registering for VAT as a means of the master franchises obtaining an exemption under the provisions of the Trading Schemes Act 1996; and if she will make a statement. [113009] Miss Melanie Johnson: There are no such powers under the Trading Schemes Act. Registration for VAT is a matter for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

Secondary information