§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if NESTA fellowship awards will be regarded as prizes for tax purposes. [116538]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 28 March 2000]NESTA's fellowships are not regarded as prizes for tax purposes. Fellows will receive individually tailored personal development programmes, which will be designed to make the most of their potential. As each of these programmes will vary according to individuals' needs, the tax implications of the awards will also differ from case to case. NESTA is exploring the tax position of its programmes with the Inland Revenue with a view to ensuring that its Fellows and other grant recipients can receive the maximum benefit from their awards.