To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with HM Revenue and Customs about support for taxpayers who have savings in a bank which has required payments from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme with regard to tax instalments falling due on 31 January 2009. (228411)

Treasury Ministers regularly discuss a wide range of issues with their officials in HMRC and other Departments.

HMRC currently offers ‘time to pay’ arrangements to viable businesses facing temporary financial difficulties. These allow outstanding tax to be spread over a period (usually of months) based on what a business can genuinely afford to pay. Interest applies but the rates are competitive compared to commercial lending.

This approach is designed to ensure otherwise viable businesses are not driven into insolvency by HMRC, both supporting business and in turn maximising tax recovery. Similar “time to pay” arrangements apply to individuals who are not classed as “in business”.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which companies have been appointed to assist his Department in the preparation of his plans for financial support to the banking industry. (228815)

[holding answer 2008]: The Treasury has taken financial advice from Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank and legal advice from Slaughter and May with regards to implementing the recapitalisation scheme. On matter relating to financial stability, the Treasury also takes advice from the Bank of England and FSA.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received from the government of Iceland on the use of anti-terrorist legislation to seize Icelandic bank assets; (229067)

[holding answer 22 October 2008]: The Government are working closely with the Icelandic authorities to resolve issues of mutual interest related to the financial crisis.