VAT ON THE CORNISH PASTY

Early day motion 2917, tabled 26 March 2012 by Stephen Gilbert (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes with concern the Chancellor's proposals to add VAT to hot takeaway food from bakeries and supermarkets, including the humble Cornish pasty; further notes that thousands of people are employed in thepasty industry in Cornwall, which is worth millions of pounds to the Cornish economy; believes that adding 20 per cent VAT to the price of a pasty will undermine the industry and lead to a drop in sales and local job losses; and calls on the Government to exempt those foods which have significantly advanced Protected Geographical Indication status in Europe, like Cornwall's favourite food, from this proposal.

Signatures by party: Labour 8, Liberal Democrat 5, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2.