§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the Treasury of abolishing the higher rates relief limit for charitable convenants in 1986–87, 1987–88 and 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 in the same periods.
§ Mr. Norman LamontInformation is not available in the precise form requested. The total cost of tax relief to 515W individuals having separate or combined covenants in excess of £10,000 is estimated to be about £3 million in 1986–87, and £5 million in 1987–88. An estimate for 1988–89 is not available yet. Donations to professional arts organisations are not separately identified.