HC Deb 09 February 1961 vol 634 cc613-4
31. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in framing his next Budget, he will make arrangement for those who have suffered long-term sickness to spread their taxable earnings over more than one year.

Sir E. Boyle

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion, but I cannot anticipate my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Hynd

In preparing for the Budget, will the Minister have regard to the problem facing a worker who might have had an illness stretching over, perhaps, twelve months, who has incurred debt, and who has a long period of work ahead before he can again get financially on his feet? As such an arrangement is in operation for certain professional workers, would he not try to extend it to other workers?

Sir E. Boyle

I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. and learned Friend will consider this. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that sickness is only one of quite a number of reasons for fluctuations of income. This is rather a big and, I think, difficult subject.

Mr. Donnelly

Can the Financial Secretary tell the House whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his absence from the House today contemplating the Budget, is impaled Scylla or Charybdis?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the Financial Secretary reluctant to reply, because he fears that he may have the Closure moved on him again?

Sir E. Boyle

No. With respect, I really did not think that that supplementary question was worth answering, and I thought that we might get on.