HC Deb 15 February 1989 vol 147 cc241-2W
39. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many new businesses started in the past year employed (a) up to 10 people, (b) up to 100 people and (c) more than 100 people; what are the comparable figures for the year up to 3 May 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

In 1987, the latest year for which estimates were published, the number of new businesses registering for VAT in the United Kingdom was 205,000. In 1980, the earliest available year, the comparable figure is 158,000. Although information on the numbers of people employed is not recorded at registration, the estimates of turnover suggest that most employed less than 100.