Gib Opposition Ministers Table Raft Of Questions On Tax And Spending

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

26 March 2003

Gibraltar's Leader of the Opposition, Joe Bossano has put forward 98 questions on tax and the economy which await the government's response when the House of Assembly convenes this Friday.

The questions cover a whole range of issues surrounding tax, spending and public borrowing, though are likely to pay particular attention to the government's estimate of 2000/2001 GDP which is thought to stand at £433 million. Bossano is also keen to find out how the government intends to apply the EU Savings Tax Directive's exchange of information procedures.

Other issues that the Opposition leader would like to address include the government's private finance initiative (PFI) dealings with the Royal Bank of Scotland concerning the former Europort hospital building.

Meanwhile the shadow Trade, Industry and Tourism spokesman, Dr. Joseph Garcia has tabled 133 questions for the government to answer. These include a raft of enquiries on the government's plan to overhaul the jurisdiction's business tax legislation. He is also expected to ask whether any further legislative drafts agreed with the EU will be presented to the House of Assembly for debate and approval. Other matters of concern to Garcia include tax-exempt and qualifying companies, the EU Framework Employment Directive, and offshore betting.

Dr. Garcia will also be addressing tourism issues; in particular, the renewal of air links across the strait to Morocco.

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