To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the timetable is for the decision on whether local authorities will be compensated by HM Revenue and Customs for the VAT payments they have made on off-street car park charges; what the Government’s policy is on the issue; and if he will make a statement. (222840)

The European Court of Justice gave its judgment on this issue on 16 September 2008 and the precedent case will now revert to the High Court for judgment. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further on the matter until the legal process has been concluded.