Derek McDowell (Labour)

I want to explore the effectiveness and the level of take-up of some of the capital allowances schemes. I believe sections 26 and 27 refer equally to the schemes. Specifically, the Minister is extending the availability before terminating some of the schemes. I want to use the opportunity provided by this debate to explore the take-up of some of the schemes. Some of the schemes, such as the living over the shop scheme, the student accommodation scheme and the park and ride scheme, which we discussed earlier, have not been used to a great degree. I would be interested to hear the Minister's comments on the take-up of the schemes.