Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Diana Johnson Excerpts
Tuesday 24th April 2012

(12 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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I can assure my hon. Friend that we will listen carefully and sympathetically to the arguments that are put to us. He, indeed, has already made strong representations on this point, and we have of course extended the consultation period to 18 May, as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury pointed out earlier.

Diana Johnson Portrait Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)
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Can the Minister explain to my constituents why VAT on ski lifts in the Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s constituency is being reduced, but in my constituency thousands of people are going to lose their jobs with the implementation of the Government’s plans to increase VAT on static caravans?

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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VAT is chargeable on mobile caravans, camper vans, narrowboats, beach huts and tents, and we are seeking greater consistency in the area.

With regard to ski lifts and other forms of cable-based transport, there is a reduced rate in France, Germany, Austria and Italy, and most areas of public transport are zero-rated.