§ 13. Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the total cost to the Exchequer in a full year, of tax relief for private medical insurance for pensioners.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 21 February, at columns 542–43.
§ Mr. McKayWhy should my pensioners who have worked and been taxed all their working life, and use the National Health Service, now have to subsidise those who wish to use private care?
§ Mr. LamontThe purpose of the relief is to give help to older pensioners when they face increasing health costs. That will relieve pressure on the National Health Service, and that is to the benefit of everybody who uses the state service.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettDoes my right hon. Friend agree that tax relief would be lower if the earnings rule for pensioners were abolished? Will he bear that in mind in preparing the Budget as one way of helping to increase pensioners' earning power at a stroke?
§ Mr. LamontI note my hon. Friend's suggestion.