HC Deb 26 November 2001 vol 375 cc632-3W
Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies he has commissioned since April 2000 on the compliance costs imposed on businesses by the tax system; and when these studies will be published. [17211]

Dawn Primarolo

Studies have been commissioned into the compliance costs of VAT, Corporation Tax, Customs procedures for international trade, and excise gambling duties. Ministers will consider the results at the completion of each study.

Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his latest estimate is of the administrative cost to British business of the UK tax system; and if he will make a statement. [17212]

Dawn Primarolo

It is precisely to address this question that we have asked the Inland Revenue and Customs to carry out a four year research programme into the compliance costs of the tax system.