HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 cc168-9W
Mr. Hopkins

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value was of financial concessions to the UK shipping industry through the tonnage tax scheme in each financial year since the concession was introduced. [145245]

Dawn Primarolo

2000–01 an estimated cost of £10 million; 2001–02 an estimated cost of £25 million; 2002–03 an estimated cost of £35 million.

Mr. Hopkins

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value was of(a) the tonnage tax scheme in (i) 2001–02 and (ii) 2002–03 and (b) tax paid by shipping companies in the last financial year of the previous arrangements. [145246]

Dawn Primarolo

The information requested is as follows:

  1. (a) The estimated costs of the tonnage tax regime are published on the Inland Revenue website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/00ap_bl.htm.
  2. (b) Shipping companies" tax liabilities for 1999–2000 are estimated at £60 million.