asked the Minister for Finance if there is any EEC directive or regulation inhibiting him from retaining the 1 per cent VAT addition paid to unregistered farmers in respect of the purchase of farm products after 1 May 1979.

There is no EEC Directive or Regulation which would inhibit either the witholding or continuation after 1 May 1979 of the 1 per cent flat-rate addition currently paid in respect of the purchase of agriculture products from unregistered farmers.