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Finance Bill

I know that, as a distinguished member of the Treasury Committee—no doubt he is keen to be reappointed—the hon. Gentleman follows these matters closely. So he knows that the full Budget and the full Finance Bill were announced before the general election and that all the Budget resolutions were passed by the House—not one was opposed. In that Budget, the balance was struck between facilitating business and removing unnecessary regulation and acting on behalf of taxpayers who comply with their responsibilities. Our aim is to make sure that avoidance—with which a substantial part of the Bill before us deals—is prevented and that tax due is paid.