§ 14. Mr. Laneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the total reduction in taxation since he became Chancellor, including the measures in his 1972 Budget Statement.
§ Mr. BarberIn the coming year, over £3,000 million.
§ Mr. LaneIs it not evident that the benefits of that reduction, which is a welcome contrast to the extra burdens imposed by the last Government, will be appreciated by millions of people in all sections of the community?
§ Mr. BarberYes, Sir. That is certainly true. As I said last night in winding up the Budget debate, it is not only taxpayers who have done well out of this Government, but pensioners and families on low incomes.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is the increase in the amount paid out in unemployment benefit over the same period?
§ Mr. BarberThe hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that if he puts down a Question he will get the answer. I am rather surprised that the hon. Gentleman, of all people, should believe that he can divert the attention of the British people 219 away from the cuts in taxation which we have made by that kind of supplementary question.