asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of repayment traders for value added tax purposes and also the total number in each of the 29 trade groups listed in the Standard Industrial Classification; and what were the total amounts of value added tax repaid to each such group by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise according to the latest available figures or estimates.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer given by the Minister of State, Treasury, to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Gardiner) on 16 November 1979, what is the timetable for the decision regarding the possible withdrawal of the optional arrangements under which repayment traders can obtain monthly value added tax repayments from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; and whether he intends to consult representatives of the construction industry and other industries that would be affected by such a change.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.