That this House deplores the imposition of VAT on domestic fuel and power; is appalled by the regressive nature of the tax which will hit those on lowest incomes hardest; and notes with concern that the legislation embodies the unjust principle of one law for the rich and one law for the poor as only higher income earners will be able to take advantage of the loophole which allows VAT to be avoided during the first year of its imposition by the advance payment of fuel bills as offered by MANWEB and other regional electricity companies.

That this House deplores the imposition of VAT on domestic fuel and power; is appalled by the regressive nature of the tax which will hit those on lowest incomes hardest; and notes with concern that the legislation embodies the unjust principle of one law for the rich and one law...

That this House welcomes the forceful statements opposing VAT on fuel by the honourable Members for West Gloucestershire, Corby, Macclesfield, Littleborough and Saddleworth, Aldridge-Brownhills, Stafford, Billericay and Ayr; looks forward to them joining the opposition in the lobby against this unfair tax; also urges the honourable Members for Perth and Kinross, Congleton, Northampton, North and Suffolk Central to continue the principled abstention which they showed on the Report Stage of the Finance Bill last July; and notes that if all those honourable Members follow their consciences the proposal can be defeated.

That this House welcomes the forceful statements opposing VAT on fuel by the honourable Members for West Gloucestershire, Corby, Macclesfield, Littleborough and Saddleworth, Aldridge-Brownhills, Stafford, Billericay and Ayr; looks forward to them joining the opposition in the lobby against this unfair tax; also urges the honourable Members for Perth and...