HC Deb 08 June 1989 vol 154 cc201-2W
38. Mr. Burt

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the number of business start-ups in 1988–89.

42. Dr. Twinn

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the number of business start-ups in 1988–89.

126. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the number of business start-ups in 1988–89.

Mr. Major

In the calendar year 1987, the latest for which figures have been published by the Department of Employment, the net increase in the number of businesses registered for VAT was 45,000, an average of nearly 900 a week. Indications are that the rate of increase since 1987 has been even faster, and may have amounted to over 1,300 per week. The figures for 1988 will be available later in the summer.