14. Miss Wardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated cost of exempting from Income Tax all incomes under £250 per annum.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerAbout £27 million. This includes the cost of the relief which, in order to prevent anomalies, it would be necessary to give to incomes slightly over £250 per annum.
Miss WardIn view of Press reports at the time of the Budget about consideration being given to reduction of tax, might I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will look into the position of these lower income groups and see whether any further help can be given to them to meet the difficulties in which they find themselves today?
§ Mr. ButlerI have every sympathy with these income groups, and I did do something to help them in my Budget, but whether I can do more depends on future developments.