§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the total of capital allowances claimed by companies in respect of(a) scientific research and (b) patents and know-how, and the corporation tax forgone as a result of such claims, giving the most recently available information.
§ Mr. LilleyAllowances for scientific research are tentatively estimated to be in the region of £1½ billion in 441W 1988. Fully used to reduced corporation tax liability, the cost to the Exchequer would be about £½ billion. No estimate can be made for patents and know-how.