§ 21. Mr. PearsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect his tax relief on computer and IT investments will have on e-commerce in the UK. [130149]
§ Mr. TimmsThe new 100 per cent. capital allowances on computer and IT investments will encourage small businesses to acquire the means to exploit the opportunities offered by e-commerce. These opportunities include access to markets that were previously inaccessible and potentially lower business transaction costs. Small businesses are targeted because they are less prepared for e-commerce than larger businesses. This measure complements other Government initiatives to encourage e-commerce, including investing £60 million to provide advice and planning to help small and medium-sized businesses get on line.