A bill "On Amendments to the Law on Value-added Tax" was passed by the State Duma on the first reading today. The bill introduces a list of foodstuffs and children's goods on which a 10 per cent VAT is to be levied. The government is to accept a resolution confirming this list. Moreover according to the bil, rent, insurance operations and operations connected with the circulation of golden, silver and platinum coins will be exempted from the VAT.