HC Deb 09 May 1977 vol 931 cc396-7W
Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now consider the case of Mr. I. G. Yeoman, a constituent of the hon. Member for Kingswood, who has applied for a 714 certificate and about whom he has been in correspondence with the hon. Member.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The rules of confidentiality do not allow me to make public information about the tax affairs of individuals, but I shall write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what official notification was given to building contractors of the 714 scheme prior to its implementation; and whether there was any direct written communication announcing the scheme from the Inland Revenue to contractors.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Forms inviting applications for the new style certificates were issued in August 1975 by the Inland Revenue to all known building businesses. A booklet explaining the new scheme in detail, and a pamphlet describing the main changes and announcing the starting date, was issued to all businesses in September 1976. A further reminder about the starting date was issued in February 1977. There will also have been advice by inspectors of taxes to individual contractors in the course of normal correspondence.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many 714 tax exemption certificates are still being processed at the Inland Revenue's central computer unit.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

On 4th May about 14,000 were being processed, of which 5,000 will be completed by 6th May and the remaining 9,000 by 13th May.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of building contractors refused 714 certificates who are now in receipt of unemployment benefits.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

It is not known how many, if any, are now in receipt of unemployment benefits. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Secretary of State for Social Services on 21st March 1977.—[Vol. 928, c. 407]

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the reason for limited companies in the building trade being required to be in possession of 714 tax certificates.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Companies were brought within the revised tax deduction scheme, and, therefore, within the certificate arrangements, to prevent their use for tax evasion, as happened under the original scheme.