§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the answer given by Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish (H.L. Deb., 9 January, WA 14), whether the Department of Social Security attempted to quantify the loss to HM Customs and Excise in the form of VAT revenue as a result of their decision to freeze one-parent benefit and lone parent premium; and, if so, what was the amount of that loss.
Lord Mackay for ArdbrecknishThe Department of Social Security did not attempt to quantify the effect on VAT revenue. Projections of VAT revenues were generally informed by the public expenditure and tax changes announced in the Budget.