To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 June 2009, Official Report, column 444W, on HM Revenue and Customs: closures, what the cost is of the improvements to HM Revenue and Customs IT systems referred to in the Answer; and if he will make a statement. (282422)

HMRC has a programme of continuous improvement to its IT systems, which includes the improvement referred to in my previous answer. This year, HMRC is investing 6 per cent. of its departmental budget of £4 billion in improving and enhancing its IT systems. The key aspects of the improvement programme are detailed in the 2009-10 HMRC Business Plan published on the HMRC website.