52. Dr. King askedthe Chancellor of the Exchequer to give an estimate of the cost to the Treasury of abolishing Income 2310 Tax on all incomes derived from pensions of any kind and of not more than £300 a year.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe cost of relieving from tax all pensions payable to persons whose total income from all sources, including such pensions, does not exceed £300 per annum, would be about £2 million.
§ Dr. KingIs the Minister aware that a Measure along these lines is about the only way in which he could help pensioners who do not derive their pensions from State sources? Would he, in the light of the Bill which is being considered upstairs, look at this matter before the Budget?
§ Mr. BrookeI will certainly take note of the hon. Member's suggestion. I am not sure whether he realises that his proposal would be rather unfair to married people, because all married couples with incomes of under £300 a year have already been completely exempted from Income Tax by the Conservative Government.