HC Deb 12 February 1998 vol 306 cc390-1W
Mr. Lilley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received from(a) private pensions companies and (b) local authorities on the impact on pension fund contributions of abolishing advance corporation tax credits for pension funds; and if he will make a statement on the content of those representations. [29206]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

We have received a number of representations expressing concern about the possible effects on contributions to or benefits from pension schemes as a result of removing payable tax credits on UK dividends. However, the corporation tax changes introduced in the last Budget will be good for the economy as a whole. This will benefit pensioners, along with everyone else.

Mr. Lilley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the latest year for which figures are available, how many companies had profits in the large, medium and small categories as defined for the new system of advance payments of corporation tax. [29193]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

Estimates in respect of accounting periods ending in 1995–96 of the numbers of companies in the large, medium and small categories of taxable profit, as governed by the rate at which their profits were taxed, are 40,000, 15,000 and 350,000 respectively.