§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he is giving to allowing tax relief on provisions made by banks against loans to developing countries; which banks have applied for such assistance ; what amounts are involved in each case; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 10 November 1987]: Tax relief due to banks in respect of loans which cannot he recovered in full is governed by the ordinary tax rules which apply to any trader who gives credit in the course of his business. Because of the rules of confidentiality which govern taxpayers' affairs, I am not in a position to provide information about individual banks.