Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 January 2003. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 January 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what arrangements will be in place on 1st February to ensure that privately operated tolls do not increase by reason of the incidence of a VAT liability. - (Holding answer 27 January 2003).

Answer: Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements will be in place on 1 February to ensure that privately operated tolls do not increase by reason of the incidence of a VAT liability. [93351] Mr. Jamieson: [holding answer 27 January 2003]: My Department is currently consulting with owners of privately operated statutory tolled undertakings on a reimbursement scheme, which will allow qualifying operators to recover VAT included in tolls. The scheme will be in place before any payment under it will need to be made. The concession agreement at the Severn crossings has been renegotiated to eliminate the need to increase tolls because of the introduction of VAT.

Secondary information