85 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Finance the cost of reducing the capital gains tax rate from 26 per cent on a graduated basis depending on the length of ownership shares in private companies on a basis of nil tax if shares are held for 20 years or longer; 15 per cent if held for 15 years or longer; and the amount of capital gains paid for each of the past five years on the disposal of shares in small private companies whose turnover is less than £10 million and whose profits are less than £1 million. [3061/97]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that basic data are not available which would enable the information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Information is not recorded in such a manner that would enable capital gains tax paid in respect of the disposal of shares in small private companies to be readily identified.