§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many VAT-registered companies are currently trading in northern England; and what was the figure in 1978.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryBased on the latest available information, the number of VAT-registered companies currently trading in northern England, and those trading in 1978, is as follows:
Year Number 1978 29,086 1995 92,464