THE European Union (or the Euro Swindle, as I would like to call it) has announced its intention to 'harmonise' VAT throughout the countries of the community.

If these moves go through, there will be VAT on children's clothes, newspapers, books, travel fares and on new houses.

VAT at 17.5 per cent is equivalent to an income tax of nearly 15 per cent.

The items listed above are those which particularly affect the poorest people in the community.

Thus the new VAT imposed will be equivalent to an income tax of 15 per cent on the unemployed, disabled, and old age pensioners.

The case for VAT on fares is unsound and unacceptable on financial, transport planning and environmental grounds.

D BULLEN (Mr), Albany Road, Blackburn.

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