Order for Second Reading read.

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

As it stands, the Bill is strict consolidation and brings together the law on value added tax.. This was first provided for in the Finance Act 1972 but there have been amendments in every subsequent Finance Act, in the legislation relating to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise and in numerous statutory instruments made under powers contained in the 1972 Act. It is, therefore, an appropriate time for consolidation.

This is also the appropriate time to welcome the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) to the Opposition Front Bench, and I do so very warmly.

I should mention now that an amendment will be required in Committee to take account of the recently made Value Added Tax (Works of Art, Etc.) Order 1983.

Subject to that, I commend the Bill to the House.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Bill immediately considered in Committee.

[Mr. HAROLD WALKER in the Chair]

Clauses 1 to 51 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedules 1 to 5 agreed to.