asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to introduce a single VAT rating; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
433.
Written Answers. - Value-Added Tax.
432.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals to introduce a single VAT rate as recommended by the Third Report of the Commission on Taxation published on the 29 June 1984 and if he will make a statement on the situation pertaining to VAT in the country.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
As the Government have indicated in their plan, Building on Reality 1985-1987, they do not consider a uniform rate of VAT to be feasible in the foreseeable future. It is accepted, however, that some VAT rates are high and that the present system is too complicated. I am, therefore, having the whole system reviewed to see what changes, if any, can usefully be made in the immediate future.