HC Deb 02 May 1984 vol 59 cc155-6W
Mr. Robert C. Brown

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total investment approved under the business expansion scheme in 1983–84; how many companies qualified for tax relief; what was the cost of such income tax relief; how many schemes involving farming were approved; what amount of investment was involved and what was the cost of tax relief; and how many schemes involving private hospitals were approved, what amount of investment was involved and what was the cost of tax relief.

Mr. Moore

Under the scheme, tax relief is given to individuals investing in qualifying companies. The companies in which they invest do not themselves get relief.

It is not yet known what amounts were invested in 1983–84. Nor are details yet available of the numbers and type of companies involved, or the cost in income tax relief. Firm figures will not be available until investors actually claim their relief, and this may happen any time up to two years after the end of the tax year in which the investment is made.