To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average time taken to process tax rebates for senior citizens with annuities through the Leicester and Northampton tax office was in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. (141762)

HMRC receives just under half a million repayment claims after the end of each tax year from customers who are outside PAYE or self assessment and who have had tax deducted from investment income, including retirement annuities. The Department aims to deal with 97 per cent. of repayment claims within 15 days and has exceeded this target during April and May 2007. Average time, or separate information for retirement annuitants or senior citizens, is not available. Recent changes mean that most retirement annuitants will no longer need to make annual claims.