Finance Bill

Debate between Stella Creasy and David Gauke

Monday 26th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Stella Creasy]

It is incredibly welcome to hear that the Minister is going to raise this matter, but may I press him to be a bit clearer about which environment he will raise it in, and about when we will hear back? Will he also confirm that the European Commission can produce a zero rating if it is declared to be in the public interest to do so? Will he commit to raising that point as part of his negotiations with the European Commission? We all recognise the points that have been made about the technicalities of VAT, but there is a public interest exemption that he could use in his negotiations, is there not?

[Mr Gauke]

It does require a proposal from the Commission and the support of all 28 member states. Just to be clear, this is not a formality.