Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Williamson Excerpts

Tuesday 6th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

I am afraid that the hon. Lady might not have listened to my earlier answer. The fact is that the primary cause of the increase in inflation has been global commodity and energy prices. It is also worth pointing out that our currency depreciated in value quite significantly a couple of years or so ago. The VAT increase was necessary in order to reduce the deficit—a policy that was recognised by the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer.

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

Did my hon. Friend inherit any work by the previous Government on plans to increase VAT if they had won the general election?

[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend will be aware that we are not privy to the advice that was given to previous Governments. However, I look forward to reading tomorrow confirmation that the previous Chancellor believed that it was a wise course of action to increase VAT.