UK Parliament / Open data

Finance Bill

Proceeding contribution from David Gauke (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Monday, 1 July 2013. It occurred during Debate on bills on Finance Bill.

I have certainly sought advice, in preparation for this and other debates, on how practicable it would be for HMRC to provide such a service. HMRC makes the point that it is not something that it is well set up to

do; its expertise is on how the UK tax system works. It is also worth pointing out that DOTAS is based on hallmarks set by UK tax law. Trying to extend it in the way suggested would be very difficult. That would require a major change to a successful tool—the hon. Lady and I have debated this point before—for tackling tax avoidance, and would risk disrupting the effectiveness with which HMRC does its job. My answer to her is one that I have given in the past: I do not believe that this is something that HMRC could do effectively. It is not a good priority for us. All sides want to do more to help developing countries to develop their tax system, but it is better to focus on building capacity by providing training and support than for HMRC to try to judge, police and assess the tax system in developing countries.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
565 c684 
Session
2013-14
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
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