§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters of intent were issued by the Inland Revenue to sub-contractors in the construction industry covering the period 6th April to 5th July 1977 stating that they would soon be receiving a 714 tax certificate; how many sub-contractors in receipt of such a letter had not received their 714 by 6th July; and how many sub-contractors in receipt of such a letter will not be receiving a 714 tax certificate.
§ Mr. Robert Sheldon,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27th July 1977;gave the following information: A record of these letters has not been kept centrally, but it is estimated that some 50,000 were issued and that in nearly all cases certificates were received by 6th July. Letters were issued only to successful applicants, all of whom would have received certificates unless, exceptionally, new facts emerged to disqualify them.