§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the discussions he has held with British Rail on its new equipment financing scheme and the tax avoidance arrangements incorporated therein.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinMy right hon. Friend has held no such discussions.
§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many public corporations have sought his advice on tax avoidance schemes relating to equipment financing; and if he will make a statement;
(2) to what extent he is prepared to give advice to companies and individuals on tax avoidance schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe Inland Revenue does not give advice on tax avoidance schemes.
§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the possible tax loss to the Exchequer over the next ten years of the adoption by public corporations of the new equipment financing scheme of British Rail on all purchases.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe figures for which the hon. Member asks are not available.