HC Deb 22 March 1962 vol 656 cc557-8
32. Sir T. Moore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how long he proposes to retain the present rate of Surtax and the existing rate of death duties.

Mr. Barber

This is not a matter on which I could make a statement—particularly at this time of year.

Sir T. Moore

Surely my hon. Friend, like every other intelligent man, realises that the present fantastic rates of Surtax are a penalty on effort while the exorbitant rates of death duties are a penalty on success, so that there is no hope for a worker either to work or to save? Will not my hon. Friend do something about it?

Mr. Barber

Of course, we made some slight progress in the Finance Act of last year, but with regard to the future I can say nothing.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Ayr are more concerned with ending the pay pause than they are with ending Surtax?

Mr. Barber

Concerning the pay pause, that ends at the end of this month and is to be overtaken by a new incomes policy. With regard to the Surtax reliefs which were announced in the last Budget, they merely bring the level of tax more into line with that of our competitors and also with the policy advocated by the Daily Herald.

Sir T. Moore

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) has no authority from me to speak for the people of Ayr?

Mr. Jay

Is the Economic Secretary now saying that all Government interference with wage and salary negotiations will end at the end of this month?

Mr. Barber

No, nothing of the sort.