asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Woolwich, East on 23 November, how many tax repayments were made by (a) cash cheques drawn on National Giro account number 3057 119, and (b) direct credit to a taxpayer's National Giro account during the latest convenient 12-month period; and how taxpayers are made aware, before a payable order is issued, that payment by alternative methods is possible.

During the last 12 months about 80 cash cheques were drawn on the account mentioned in respect of tax repayments. I am afraid that records are not readily available of the number of repayments credited direct to taxpayers' National Giro accounts. Forms issued for the use of taxpayers in claiming repayments include provision for the repayment to be made to a bank, agent or other person if the taxpayer so requires.