§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the cost to public funds of Companies House; and what reduction in this cost is expected to follow the recent increase in search fees from 5 pence to £1.
§ Mr. EyreSince 1976 the Companies Registration Office for England and Wales has imposed no net cost on public funds. Costs have been covered by fee revenue. Costs in 1980 are estimated at £12.6 million. The fee for the inspection of documents will go up to £1 from 1 April 1981 to avoid running into deficit in 1981–82. It is estimated to produce an additional £2.4 million in that financial year.