§ Mr. Hicksasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average period of delay in the payment of value added tax refunds by his Southend office to traders; what is the total financial sum involved as a result of this delay; what are the reasons for this delay; and what action he is taking to alleviate the situation.
§ Mr. Peter ReesI shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.