HC Deb 06 April 2001 vol 366 c302W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many firms have taken advantage of the research and development tax credit for small and medium-sized enterprises. [157387]

Mr. Timms

Figures for the number of firms that have taken advantage of R and D tax credits will not be available until 2002, when firms incurring R and D expenditure have sent in their tax returns for the first year of operation of the scheme. However, enhanced capital allowances since 1997 and new tax credits to encourage investment and innovation have already saved business over £1 billion.