To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many family tax credit claims were outstanding in each of the last 12 months. [110557]

For the cumulative number of claims for the child and working tax credits received in each month from August 2002 until February 2003, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 14 April 2003, Official Report, columns 546–47W. 3.9 million claims were received by 9 April and over 4 million have been received to date.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to pay interest on late payments of child tax credit in cases where the delay was the responsibility of his Department. [109854]

[holding answer 28 April 2003]: Where the Inland Revenue were unable to deliver to tax credits claimants the level of service which might have been expected, I will consider what, if any, further action may be appropriate.