To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many small companies received direct help with administration of their tax and payroll in 2005. (102859)

Small businesses can obtain formal and informal assistance in complying with their tax affairs from a range of sources including Government Departments and agencies, accountants and other business advisers.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides direct assistance through a number of targeted services to companies of all sizes, including face-to-face advice in 281 Inquiry Centres, a dedicated employers helpline and EmployerTalk events. It is not possible to identify accurately from records held centrally the number of small companies benefiting from these services in any one year.

The following table gives the number of small businesses receiving direct assistance from HMRC’s education and support teams in 2005-06: