HC Deb 07 June 1988 vol 134 cc527-8W
79. Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has estimated the effect of the exchange rate on the rate of employment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anderson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the overall costs of administration, collection and enforcement of value added tax.

Mr. Lilley

The overall cost of the administration, collection and enforcement of value added tax is estimated to be £244 million for the year ended 31 March 1988.

Mr. Holland

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of companies(a) registering for value added tax and (b) deregistering for value added tax in each available year since and including 1979.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 23 May 1988]: Figures for businesses registering and deregistering for value added tax in each year since 1979 are as shown by the table:

Mr. Lilley

Exchange rate policy is part of total economic policy. The firm financial discipline inherent in the Government's economic strategy has contributed to the longest period of continuous employment growth in almost 30 years.