HC Deb 01 December 1966 vol 737 cc600-1
15. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs why in the August publication of his Department's Progress Report he used 1964 taxation comparisons of other countries, when discussing the present taxation position.

Mr. Albu

Because these were the latest figures for other countries available at that time.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is that not misleading, considering that taxation rates in the last few years have gone up by £1,200 million? Will he consider publishing a report on comparative rates of taxation between the E.E.C. and E.F.T.A. countries?

Mr. Albu

We shall certainly consider that when we have all the information available. The hon. Member might like to know that the present situation is that total taxation in the Netherlands, West Germany and France, on the basis of the latest, 1965, figures, is still substantially higher than in the United Kingdom.