Helen Goodman – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Helen Goodman on 2016-06-08.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Department for International Development had any role in the current negotiations of tax treaties with (a) Malawi, (b) Lesotho, (c) Ghana and (d) Nepal.

Mr David Gauke

The Government recognises that developing countries may have different preferences from those of the UK and is willing to accommodate these preferences as part of a balanced agreement that is acceptable to both sides.

By governing the taxation of cross-border income flows in a predictable manner and eliminating double taxation and excessive taxation, tax treaties promote international trade and investment, leading to sustainable tax revenues, which are vital in financing for development.

Treasury Ministers decide the UK’s treaty negotiation programme following consultation with a number of interested parties, including the Department for International Development.