HC Deb 08 May 1952 vol 500 cc542-4
34. Miss Burton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as it is official Government policy that higher food prices shall be compensated by increased taxation allowances, he will take some action to help those people receiving no benefit from the new allowances.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would remind the hon. Lady that the Budget proposals must be read as a whole. The benefits conferred were not confined to taxation allowances and, in so far as proved possible, were designed to help all sections of the community.

Miss Burton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that of the 20 million incomes liable to Income Tax there are six million who will not have to pay any; and that below that there are a further three million who do not come within the Income Tax category? What benefits does he think those people will receive?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I have already explained to the hon. Lady, the benefits are not confined to taxation allowances, but also include the wide scope of social improvements announced by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Gaitskell

In view of the fact that a very large number of low-paid workers are much worse off as a result of the Budget as a whole, and in view of the answer given by the hon. Gentleman to my hon. Friend, are we to assume that the Government now accept the view that these workers should have increases in wages?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It is the view of the Government that the Budget taken as a whole will have the effect of improving our economy to the benefit of all sections of the community.

Miss Burton

The hon. Gentleman will certainly get his answer at the polling booths today. What advantages does he think people have in this Budget, if they have not either got two children and if they have to pay additional sums for their health bill? How does he think they will meet the increased cost of living?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It is in the interests of everyone that the national economy, by which we all live, should be restored and fortified.

36. Miss Burton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent rationed and unrationed foods were included in his estimated price rise of 1s. 6d. per head per week as the maximum rise for the coming 12 months; and if he will give a list of foods and estimated prices showing how the figure of 1s. 6d. was arrived at.

Sir A. Salter

Both rationed and unrationed subsidised foods were included in the calculation of the likely average effect of reducing the figure of the food subsidies to £250 million a year. My right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food will announce later the remaining price increases involved.

Miss Burton

Could I have an answer to the second part of my Question? Would it be possible to publish the list of foods in HANSARD?

Sir A. Salter

The hon. Lady will realise that several alternative distributions of the increase would leave the total unchanged, and I am reluctant to anticipate or prejudice the future decisions or announcements of my right hon. and gallant Friend by mentioning one particular combination.

Miss Burton

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the number of alternatives to make this figure of 1s. 6d. still a valid one would equal the permutation of any football pool? Are the Government still of the opinion that the 1s. 6d. increase is a valid figure for the remainder of this year?

Sir A. Salter

I really have little to add. There are several alternative combinations which would leave this figure unchanged. I have no reason to suggest a change in the total figure. The precise distribution will appear as my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food makes his announcements—and they are his—on the prices of particular foods.