HC Deb 03 March 1982 vol 19 cc149-50W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of companies which made a trading loss in each of the past three years before deduction of any allowances and the estimated total of such losses.

Mr. Ridley

Statistics are not available centrally about trading losses, as these terms are commonly understood for commercial purposes. The figures below related to "gross case I" losses from trading, before deduction of depreciation, but after deduction of short-term interest.

Number (000) Losses (£ million)
1978 130 1,300
1979 150 1,700
1980 170 2,900

These estimates are derived from a small sample and are very tentative.