Government must take action now to protect our Children's eyes - Burstow

4.09.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 13th Nov 2006

Questions asked by Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam have revealed a dangerous anomaly in the rules surrounding value added tax in the UK.

In the light of recent reports from Cancer Research and Healthy eyes showing the lasting dangers of not protecting children's eyes from the sun, Mr Burstow asked the government if they would do anything about the current VAT Tax placed on all Children's sunglasses.

The reply from the Treasury stated that agreements within the European Union prevent the UK from introducing new VAT exemptions. Other essential goods, such as footwear and clothing for children, are exempt from VAT.

Commenting on the problem, Paul Burstow MP said:

"Encouraging parents to buy sunglasses for their children is essential if we are to protect the health of young people."

"The government must address the financial disincentives that discourage such good practice as protecting children's eyes from the damaging effects of the sun"

"If the government takes action now, it will be helping to safeguard the ocular health of all our children."

Notes to Editors:

Mr Burstow's question tabled on 16/10/2006

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representation he has received on the removal of Value Added Tax from the sale of sunglasses for children?

The reply redirected Mr Burstow to the answer of question asked on 26/6/2006. The answer stated that;

Representations are regularly made to Treasury Ministers and officials on a wide range of issues. Under agreements with our European partners we can keep our existing VAT zero rates, but we may not extend them or introduce new ones. It is therefore not possible to remove VAT from children's sunglasses.