HMRC would like to understand more about the experience of investing in UK companies. Your views are important, as understanding your experience will help to ensure that the tax system and our services help support your investments.
and
We hope that you will be able to take part in this important study to help us understand how the EIS and VCTs are working.
The letter is, I guess, a matter of courtesy. I can opt out. If I accept being surveyed, it means the survey won't come as a cold-call - though of course the same could apply to someone impersonating them.
I think this is one I don't mind taking part in. An opportunity to provide honest feedback, and perhaps even mention how the stupid six-month rule stopped me making secondary-market VCT investments. But not an opportunity to pursue any more ambitious agenda: with them in control of the questioning, any attempt to spin would soon unravel.
Any fellow-fools find yourselves in this sample?