HC Deb 04 December 1996 vol 286 cc654-5W
Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost of the introduction of the new employers helpline servicing the Inland Revenue, the Contributions Agency and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; and if he will make a statement. [7258]

Mr. Jack

[holding answer 3 December 1996]The employers helpline uses staff from the existing Contributions Agency helpline, the social security advice line to employers and Inland Revenue staff previously located in the employers unit. Staff costs are therefore within existing running costs. Cost of introducing the helpline result mainly from publicity costs which are likely to amount to £650,000 by the end of the campaign. Other setting-up costs of approximately £80,000 are mainly accounted for by expenditure on telephony and information technology.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the regional organisation of the new employers helpline servicing the Inland Revenue, the Contributions Agency and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. [7259]

Mr. Jack

[holding answer 3 December 1996]The national employers helpline is located at two sites in East Kilbride and Glasgow, housing Inland Revenue and Contributions Agency staff and servicing the whole of the country. There are no staff located in other regions.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in respect of problems with the employers helpline set up by the Inland Revenue, the Contributions Agency and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; and if he will make a statement. [7260]

Mr. Jack

[holding answer 3 December 1996]The employers helpline was made available nationally on 7 October 1996 following a successful pilot in Scotland. Evaluation of the pilot by an independent research company showed that 97 per cent. of all callers were satisfied or very satisfied with the service. An evaluation of the national helpline will begin in January. We have not received any representations in respect of problems with the helpline.