§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills regarding the impact of fraud on tax credits for(a) education and (b) training. [15703]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Chancellor of the Exchequer meets regularly with his Cabinet colleagues to discuss a wide range of issues.
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§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the likely cost in financial year 2002–03 of(a) an incremental research and development tax credit for all companies paid only on additional spending and (b) a research and development tax credit for all companies covering all relevant spending; [15702]
(2) what assessment he has made of the incremental approach to the operation of research and development tax credits. [15701]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Government set out their views of an incremental R and D tax credit for large companies in the Budget consultation document "Increasing Innovation" published on 7 March. Since then we have received a number of responses from companies, representative bodies and others, which we are considering. The cost of such a measure depends upon the rate at which the credit is given and the final design of the scheme. Until decisions are reached on the design of the credit and the rate of relief, it is not possible to estimate the cost of the credit.