§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received, since 15 March 1988, about the withdrawal of tax relief on increases in parental contributions to covenants for students; whether he plans any changes in these arrangements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontTreasury Ministers have received some 200 representations about various aspects of the changes introduced last year to the tax treatment of student covenants. No separate record has been kept of those which relate to increases in parental contributions for students.
233WWe have no plans to make any further changes in the tax treatment of student covenants. The changes which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor introduced last year greatly simplify an unnecessarily complex part of the tax system.