To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications for certification have been made for simplified import VAT accounting in each of the last five years; and how many such applications were (a) approved and (b) rejected.

The number of applications for simplified import VAT (SIVA) certification in each of the last five years is as follows:

1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013: 733 (527 of which were approved and 181 rejected)

1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012: 783 (543 of which were approved and 163 rejected)

1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011: 840 (608 of which were approved and 149 rejected)

1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010: 757 (560 of which were approved and 105 rejected)

1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009: 1000 (732 of which were approved and 189 rejected).

There is a discrepancy, per annum, between the number of applications received and the total of applications approved and rejected. The remaining applicants did not supply sufficient information to HMRC for a decision to approve or reject the application.