§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total tax relief for banks against written-off third-world debt in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellProvisions for doubtful sovereign debt by banks operating in the United Kingdom are estimated to have reduced corporation tax receipts in the last five years by the following amounts:
£ million 1987–88 240 1988–89 550 1989–90 360 1990–91 720 1991–92 (provisional) 180 I regret that further information is not available centrally.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total level of bad debt to the private sector in the third world; and what are the comparative figures for the past five years.
§ Mr. NelsonInformation requested is not readily available and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. Information on provisions made by British banks for their exposure to problem country debtors is contained in the Bank of England's annual Banking Act report, copies of which are available in the Library.