asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the effect of VAT exemption procedures on the export trade in antiques.

Since the introduction of VAT some representations have been made by antique dealers that the procedures of the retail export schemes are too demanding on them and their customers and have caused a loss of export trade. On the other hand there have also been representations that relief from VAT on exports is a fiscal incentive to antque dealers to export goods, with a consequential loss of part of our national heritage.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the net yield of VAT on antiques after the costs of collection have been deducted.

I regret the information is not available, but in 1975–76 net receipts of VAT paid by antique dealers, second-hand furniture shops, picture framers, and coin and stamp dealers, who are classified together for VAT statistical purposes, were £4·3 million. It is not possible to separate administrative expenses for a particular group of traders or kinds of goods and services, but the overall cost of administering VAT is about 2p per £ of revenue.