HC Deb 04 May 1989 vol 152 c355
14. Mr. Watts

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in the real take-home pay of a man on average male earnings between 1978–79 and 1989–90.

Mr. Brooke

Real take-home pay for a married man with two children on average male earnings is expected to be 31 per cent. higher in 1989–90 than in 1978–79.

Mr. Watts

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the most significant features of that unprecedented improvement are that the benefits have been enjoyed by people at every level of income and that over the past six years real disposable personal income has grown at a rate of more than 3 per cent. per annum?

Mr. Brooke

My hon. Friend shows by his question that he knows even more about the subject than I do. However, I entirely confirm to the British people his very welcome figures.