§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the Treasury of introducing relief for charitable donations through payroll deduction schemes in 1986–87, 1987–88 and for the first six months of 1988–89; and how much of the cost was attributable to such donations to professional arts organisations with charitable status.
§ Mr. Norman LamontRelief for charitable donations through payroll deduction schemes came into operation in April 1987. The estimated cost of the relief in 1987–88 was about £300,000. Information for 1988–89 is not yet available and no information is available on how much of the donations went to professional arts organisations.