Business Expansion Scheme

HC Deb 11 March 1985 vol 75 cc57-8W

Mr. Conway

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the business expansion and start-up schemes available in non-assisted areas;

(2) if he will list every business expansion scheme which his Department operates;

(3) if he will list each business start-up scheme operated by his Department.

Mr. Moore

The business expansion scheme, which succeeded the earlier business start-up scheme in 1983, is administered by the Board of Inland Revenue. Under this scheme individuals may obtain relief for new equity investment in qualifying companies. Relief is available alike, whether the company is located in an assisted or a non-assisted area.

It would not be practicable to list all the companies — there were over 400 last year alone — and in many cases to do so would breach the normal rules of confidentiality which surround the tax affairs of individuals and companies.