Oral Answers to Questions — Overseas Development – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 June 1991.
Mr Brian Wilson
, Cunninghame North
12:00,
17 June 1991
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the effect of VAT on charities dealing in famine and disaster relief.
Mrs Lynda Chalker
, Wallasey
In 1991 we received four specific representations which raised the question of VAT as the primary issue. Some other representations raised the question with other issues. VAT is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the exchequer, who amended the legislation in 1989 to ensure zero rating of charities' fund raising, including the sale of donated goods in charity shops.
Mr Brian Wilson
, Cunninghame North
Does the Minister accept, however, that charities, especially third world charities, are tremendously concerned that if standardisation takes place throughout Europe, resulting in the loss of zero rating to the charities sector as a whole, some £500 million of income will be lost? For example, Oxfam fears a loss of £5 million. Will the Minister make strong representations to ensure that that does not take place across the board and that there are Europe-wide discussions to draw attention to the problems that loss of zero rating would present for charities?
Mrs Lynda Chalker
, Wallasey
I have considered that matter and discussed it with several non-governmental organisations, including the Oxfam representatives on Merseyside. I assure the House that if the European Community were to challenge the United Kingdom legislation on the zero rating of sales of donated goods from charity shops and refunds of VAT on rents, we would resist. Should the European Community attempt to legislate further on the activities of charities, we would stongly defend their voluntary nature and independence. The hon. Gentleman has my word on that.
Mr Dafydd Wigley
Leader and Party President, Plaid Cymru
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Mr Bernard Weatherill
, Croydon North East
I shall take points of order after the statement.
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