asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer in the financial year 1973-74 of removing value-added tax from foodstuffs.
85.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Removal of VAT.
84.
asked the Minister for Finance when is it intended to remove VAT from essential food items; and how it is intended to recoup the taxes so lost to the Exchequer.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
I intend to announce in my forthcoming budget the proposed changes in value-added tax, including such matters as the date of the changes and the Exchequer implications in the year 1973-74.
I suppose the Minister could not give us a preview of what is proposed?
No.
The Deputy must know by now that one of the frustrations of being in Opposition is that you do not have the mysteries revealed to you until the day of the budget.