§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to waive the earnings limit for 714s certificates for those sole traders starting a business with assistance from the enterprise allowance scheme.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 3 March 1988]: The 714s certificate was introduced in 1982 to enable those who did not qualify for a full exemption certificate because of a history of unemployment to obtain limited exemption from deduction at source on their earnings. It is difficult to see why the recently unemployed who receive financial assistance under the enterprise allowance scheme should be given a further advantage over the recently unemployed who do not.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the earnings limit of £150 a week, excluding the cost of materials, was set in relation to sole traders applying for a 714s certificate; what the figure would now be if it had been increased in line with rises in average earnings; and what plans he has to raise the limit.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 3 March 1988]: The £150 limit came into effect on 1 December 1982 and, if increased in line with average earnings, would now stand at £215. I have no plans at present to raise the limit.