§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of(a) the annual cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest relief at current interest rates and (b) the proportion of those paying national insurance contributions having a mortgage.
§ Mr. MaplesIn 1990–91 the estimated cost of mortgage interest relief is about £8 billion. An estimated 48 per cent. of those paying national insurance contributions have a mortgage.