To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent on (a) setting up and (b) running the working tax credit and child tax credit helpline in each month since April 2002. [111382]

The full costs incurred on the provision of helplines for new tax credits in the year up to 31 March 2003 are estimated at £53 million. Of that figure, £29 million relates to setting up costs and £24 million to running costs, including salaries.