§ Mr. Brightasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received proposals to introduce a sliding scale for companies subject to the clawback of relief under the business start-up scheme based on the period of time for which the shares have been held; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyWe have received many suggestions about the business start-up scheme including suggestions to modify the five-year holding period for shares. These are all being carefully considered.
§ Mr. Brightasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many companies have infringed the qualifying conditions for relief under the business start-up scheme and have consequently lost the relief;
(2) whether he will consider allowing companies which have infringed the conditions of the business start-up scheme to correct their positions and thereby enable them to avoid the clawback of relief.
§ Mr. RidleyI am not aware of any cases where relief has been taken back because the company subsequently infringed the rules of the business start-up scheme. But if my hon. Friend has a particular problem in mind perhaps he would care to write to me.