§ Mr. Alan ReidTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of how 27W many (a) producers of Scotch whisky and (b) other companies will benefit from the £3 million fund for assistance with capital investment to mitigate upfront costs of complying with his proposed tax stamps scheme for spirits bottles; [165231]
(2) what criteria he has used to identify those firms that will benefit from the £3 million fund for assistance with capital investment to mitigate upfront costs of complying with his proposed tax stamp scheme for spirit bottles. [165233]
§ John HealeyThe £3 million fund for assistance with capital investment is intended to be targeted at smaller firms, and the precise design and coverage have still to be decided. It is important that grants are distributed fairly and legally and the Government are working with the industry to consider how this might best be achieved.
§ Mr. Alan ReidTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the change in the volume of the business of warehouse keepers that will be caused by his proposed tax stamps scheme for spirits bottles; and if he plans to compensate them for any losses. [165234]
§ John Healey[holding answer 1 April 2004]: A full Regulatory Impact Assessment will be published alongside the Finance Bill on 8 April which will identify the costs, benefits and proposed offsetting measures of the tax stamps system.