Oral Answers to Questions

David Ruffley Excerpts

Tuesday 16th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

This Government are determined to crack down on tax evasion and tax avoidance, but the Vodafone deal was a matter for HMRC, and it is right that the Government are not involved in such negotiations. I hope that the hon. Lady will not be aligning herself with those involved in campaigns to close down Vodafone shops. The fact is that companies should pay the correct amount of tax, but she should not believe everything she reads.

[Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con)]

Tax avoidance and tax evasion would be less prevalent if we had a simpler and fairer tax system. I wonder whether my hon. Friend would consider following the policy of the noble Lord Lawson, which was to abolish complicated tax breaks in order to finance lower marginal rates.

[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. As a Government, we are cutting the rate of corporation tax, from 28% to 24%, which is the lowest rate that we have ever had in this country.