20 APRIL 1996, Page 25

Fast and furious

AS Kenneth Clarke flew onwards from Verona (European finance ministers) to Sofia (European Boondoggle for Remu- neration and Disbursement), the Inland Revenue pulled a fast one on taxpayers with school-fee schemes, changing the rules in the middle of the game, to Tory fury. The Revenue tried that last summer with the rules about share options and brought Mr Clarke as close as he gets to embarrassment. Like so many Chancellors, he has discovered the delights of foreign travel, but someone needs to stay at home and mind the shop.