Former MP for Newbury
I wish to intervene briefly, but I hope as forcefully as possible, to support my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Mr. Neave) since I, too, have a substantial number of scientists living in my constituency and working in Government establishments in Berkshire and the immediate neighbourhood. The facts and figures have already been clearly explained by my hon. Friend, and the hon. Member...
Will my hon. Friend say what central Government funds have been allocated to local authorities to help them implement the Act and whether he is satisfied that the money is being used to the full in this way?
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates will be the amount of VAT payable in an average year by charitable organisations in respect of equipment purchased specifically for the purposes of medical research ; and how this figure compares with their liability to tax in respect of such purchases before the introduction of VAT.
While my hon. Friend cannot make an estimate, does he agree that the liability to VAT on medical research equipment can be substantial? For instance, an electron microscope would be about £4,500. Will he confirm that it is not the Government's intention to impose the tax on medical research equipment? Will he consider the matter again before the next Budget?
Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is not only in the London area that authorities are having great difficulty in keeping within the present cost limits? In Berkshire the difficulties are particularly acute. Will my right hon. Friend consider that area, which is short of school places?
Is my right hon. Friend in a position to make a judgment about the amount of money which will eventually be needed to meet the demand? Can he indicate whether the Government will commit further funds when the first £3 million has been allocated?
I recognise what my right hon. Friend has done for the benefit of disabled people, but I emphasise the evidence produced in the report which shows that it is more economical and satisfactory for disabled people to live at home with their families than in institutions.
I cannot accept the interpretation that the hon. and learned Member for Stoke Newington and Hackney, North (Mr. Weitzman) has put on the speech of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary. My hon. Friend did not seek to belittle the provisions of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, but he made a realistic speech about progress. On the other hand, I fully understand the impatience of the...
