HC Deb 23 June 1964 vol 697 cc217-8
24. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of persons who have any unearned income; and if he will express this figure as a percentage of all taxpayers.

Mr. Alan Green

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Would my hon. Friend agree that approximately 4 million people, or about 20 per cent. of the taxpayers of this country, have an unearned income? Is not this a satisfactory and growing increase? In view of the large number of people having an interest in this matter, would my hon. Friend consider circulating "Signposts for the Sixties" to the taxpayer through the Inland Revenue?

Mr. Green

I am not sure that I can justify spending taxpayers' money in that way.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the hon. Gentleman ask his hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) to stop using this term "unearned income" when he is referring to the savings of a great many small people and they find the use of this term by Tory Party propagandists very offensive?

Mr. Green

I cannot help it if the hon. Member is offended by certain phrases which may be used in the House, but if he prefers the term "investment income" I do not mind.