Government RULES out tax on robots as Treasury Minister says there are 'no current plans'
A TAX on robots has been ruled out by the Government.
Treasury minister Simon Kirby told MPs there are 'no current plans' to place a levy on robots
Treasury minister Simon Kirby told MPs there are "no current plans" to place a levy on robots which have taken over jobs previously carried out by workers.
His comments come after Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently suggested that a tax should be placed on machines to replace taxation lost because of automation.
The issue was raised at Treasury questions by Tory Matt Warman who suggested those who back such a tax are "Luddites".
The MP for Boston and Skegness said: "From artificial intelligence to mechanisation we live in a period of unprecedented technological change and the Government should foster it in rural and urban areas.
Treasury minister Simon Kirby told MPs there are 'no current plans' to place a levy on robots
"Can the Secretary of State confirm that he will resist the calls of a new generation of Luddites to tax robots?"
Mr Kirby replied: "I was going to make a joke about the Lib Dems, but as they aren't in the chamber I will merely reassure you that the Government has no current plans to introduce a robot tax."