HC Deb 22 January 1975 vol 884 cc379-80W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total cost to public funds of distributing "VAT News" to every registered trader; and what surveys have been carried out into the use which traders make of that publication.

Dr. Gilbert

The total cost of the four issues so far published was £435,591 including postage, or about 8p per registered trader for each issue.

The uses which traders make of the publication become evident from their VAT returns, from the visits which Customs

income is (a) between £1,500 and £2,000 and (b) over £2,000 per annum.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

For persons aged 65 and over the estimated numbers in 1974–75 are as follows:

Range of investment income Number
£ per annum ('000)
1,500–2,000 80
Over 2,000 210