§ John BarrettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax incentives exist to encourage donations of medicines to developing countries by UK-based pharmaceutical companies. [70495]
§ John HealeyClause 55 of the Finance Bill 2002 will remove a potential tax charge on corporate donations of medical supplies and equipment made for humanitarian purposes. It will also make the cost of delivering those gifts tax deductible and will apply to goods donated on or after 1 April 2002. Similar tax treatment is already available under section 83A of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 for gifts in kind made to United Kingdom charities by businesses.