§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the reduction in higher rates of tax has had on the giving of perks by companies; what is his estimate of the reduction in the value of such perks since 1979 as a proportion of the amount paid to those paying higher-rate tax; if he will estimate the taxable values in the current year of each class of benefit subject to taxation under special rules; and what estimate he has of the actual value of(a) the provision of accommodation and (b) cheap or interest free mortgages and loans for the purchase of accommodation.
§ Mr. Maude[holding answer 19 February 1992]: It is not possible to provide an estimate of the taxable benefits paid to higher rate taxpayers in 1978–79. The available analysis of estimates of the taxable value of benefits in kind and expenses payments in 1991–92 by type of benefit is as follows:
Type of benefit Amount of taxable benefit (£ million) Car 4,400 Fuel 550 Beneficial loan 180 Private medical insurance 420 Car allowance 190 General expenses 20 Travelling and subsistence 70 Entertainment 40 Home telephone 80 Living accommodation 110 Educational assistance 20 Goods or services supplied at less than market value 30 Vouchers 40 Transferred assets 110 Other expenses and benefits 1,100 TOTAL 7,360 It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the actual value of provided accommodation or of cheap or interest-free loans for house purchase.