To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further representations he has received seeking the zero rating of value added tax on hospital radio broadcasting equipment.

My right hon. Friend has received one letter since the reply given to my hon. Friend on 14 July at column 313 of the Official Report.

Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating the National Association of Hospital Broadcasting Organisations on the excellent work that it does throughout the country? Will he agree to consider carefully representations that may be made to the effect that hospital broadcasting should be treated exactly the same as are talking books for the blind and consider zero rating VAT on hospital radio broadcasting equipment?

I salute my hon. Friend's interest in these matters and join him in praising the hospital radio services. In these matters I am a pallid understudy for my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary, but I shall tell him that my hon. Friend has raised the subject.