§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate for the current tax year and for 1975–76 the revenue forgone by mortgage interest relief; and the percentage of this which is at higher rates of tax.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe latest estimate of the cost of mortgage interest relief for 1975–76 is £865 million, of which about £80 million represents additional relief given at rates above the basic rate of tax. I regret that an estimate is not yet available of the cost for 1976–77.