§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Denis Healey)There is one aspect of taxation which I intend to start considering at once. I believe that it is important to find ways of improving the tax treatment of employees who live in this country but who work abroad on increasing our exports. The people I want to encourage are those at the sharp end of exporting—the business of selling British goods overseas—as well as those who contribute to our overseas earnings by working for a period overseas, for example in construction projects.
I have therefore asked the Inland Revenue to issue a consultative paper which will outline proposals to give to anyone who works for a period abroad the reliefs which are at present allowed only to those with separate jobs abroad. The proposals would also modify the 1534 rules governing the allowance of expenses incurred abroad. I have authorised the Revenue to seek the views of interested bodies, with a view to legislation in next year's Finance Bill.