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Proceeding contribution from David Gauke (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 6 May 2009. It occurred during Adjournment debate on Tax Avoidance and Evasion.


Tax Avoidance and Evasion

I have only one minute, so I apologise to the hon. Lady for not giving way. To conclude, in order to allow the Minister his full time, there should be more transparency and greater exchange of information, and it is right that we should debate the practical ways of developing them, but I have two questions about the UK and anti-avoidance. To follow the comments made by the hon. Member for Twickenham, how much is HMRC investing in enforcement and tackling tax avoidance? There were reports that the amount being spent on those matters increased to £1 billion, although we do not have comparable figures for previous years. Will the Minister put that £1 billion figure into context? Secondly, avoidance activity is likely to increase when tax rates increase. A new 50p income tax rate has just been announced. It was reported that Treasury modelling said that 69 per cent. of those affected by the 50p rate will avoid or evade paying at least some of the tax. Will the Minister confirm whether those reports are accurate? In conclusion, it is right that we tackle this issue in a practical way. We must address secrecy so that those who have to pay a fair amount pay it.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
492 c115WH 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Disclosure of information Developing countries Financial markets Poverty Trade Tax avoidance Taxation Tax evasion Tax havens Economic recession Revenue and Customs G20 Capital markets Multinational companies World economy CDC
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk