Ashok often recieves questions from his constituents about their concerns that the richest in society often pay the least tax. He decided to act upon this on tuesday when he asked the Chancellor "what average percentage of the income of the lowest earning 10 per cent. of people is taxed and what average percentage of the income of the highest earning 10 per cent. of people in the UK is taxed."

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jane Kennedy replied, informing Ashok that his constituents should view the Revenue and Customs website where the information can be found. If you would like to view the statistics, please go to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/menu.htm, paying particular notice to tables 2.4 and 2.7.

Concerned by the recent statistics which stated that in the UK we throw away 1/3 of all food produced, Ashok asked what provision both schools and prisons have in reducing food waste.

On the question of schools, Minister Kevin Brennan said that the School Food Trust published comprehensive guidance for schools and local authorities that provide school meals entitled "A fresh look at procurement—efficiency and sustainability". He said that the guide includes a section on waste management with three recommendations: