§ Mr. Galleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available Departments responsible to him have asked companies to complete forms and questionnaires to provide statistical or other information; and what was the purpose of each individual request.
§ Mr. MooreOver the 12-month period to October 1983:
The Board of Inland Revenue issued questionnaires to a very small sample of companies on four occasions asking them to provide estimates of their profits in the previous quarter. This is a regular survey which provides essential input to the national income estimates.
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise issued a simple form to a small sample of exporters for their agents on three occasions asking them to provide data on the value and currency of their exports. This is a regular survey which is used in the analysis of the Overseas Trade Statistics.
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise issued an inquiry to 14 companies asking them to describe the use to which they put the detailed import and export data which are supplied to them, upon payment, by the Department. This is a pilot exercise which forms part of a project to improve the service given to industry.