§ 30. Mr. McKayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax a married couple had to pay in 1957–58 on an investment income of £800 if married and 66 years old; what is the tax in 1958–59; and what was the Income Tax on a single man aged 66 years with an investment income of £800 for the same periods.
§ Mr. SimonThe Answer is £134 5s. 0d. and £102 8s. 10d. respectively on a married couple and £171 17s. 9d. and £144 18s. 10d. on a single man.
§ Mr. McKayAm I to understand from those figures that a single man is getting a benefit of £30? Could the hon. and learned Gentleman tell me how it is that a single man is getting relief to that extent because he happens to be 65 or 66, when millions of pensioners who have only £130 a year, or 50s. per week, can get no pensions? Will he reconsider this matter for the pensioners?
§ Mr. SimonAccording to my deductions, the single man is better off as the result of the Budget fund by only £1, and that, perhaps, may be some small consolation for missing the felicities of marriage.