To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the target time is for providing a substantive response to hon. Members’ correspondence by the Claimant Compliance section of HM Revenue and Customs in Preston. (112128)

The Claimant Compliance section of HM Revenue and Customs aims to answer 80 per cent. of all correspondence, including that from MPs, within 15 days.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Paymaster General will reply to the letters from the hon. Member for Congleton of (a) 27 June, (b) 28 July, (c) 9 August, (d) 8 September, (e) 5 October, (f) 22 November and (g) 6 December 2006, on levying VAT on charitable goods. (117524)

This issue is being considered and I hope to be in a position to respond shortly.