§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to raise the annual sum of money an employed person may donate to charities by way of the donate-as-you-earn scheme; what has been the cost of the scheme to public funds since its inception; and if he will make a statement. [7312]
§ Mr. JackThe payroll giving limit was raised by a third from £900 to £1,200 in April this year, a tenfold increase since the scheme began in 1987. The limit is kept under review but I have no plans to increase it again at present. The scheme has cost some £25 million up to 1995–96.