Office of Tax Simplification Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Office of Tax Simplification

John Bercow Excerpts
Tuesday 20th July 2010

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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None Portrait Several hon. Members
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rose

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. The opening contributions of the Minister and the shadow Chief Secretary were a little on the long side. Many people want to take part. What I require is brevity—a textbook example of which can now be provided by the Chairman of the Treasury Committee, Mr Andrew Tyrie.

Lord Tyrie Portrait Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester) (Con)
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I am not so sure about that, Mr Speaker.

I warmly welcome anything that simplifies the tax system; I think we all do. The Chancellor described the new office as a

“a permanent force for a simpler tax system”,

but he has appointed it initially for only one Parliament. Can the Minister explain why? What is to be the annual budget of the office’s permanent staff, and will permanent appointments be subject to scrutiny by the Treasury Committee?

--- Later in debate ---
John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I know that the Minister will relate his answer to attempts to simplify the tax system.

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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I am grateful for your guidance, Mr. Speaker. All I would say is that if my hon. Friend is speaking, I am sure that the Chamber will be packed.