§ 11. Mr. David Amess (Southend, West)What recent representations he has received about the future of the married couples allowance. [72423]
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ms Patricia Hewitt)Treasury Ministers have received many representations on that issue.
§ Mr. AmessGiven that there is no boom in the economy in Southend, West, but plenty of bust, that the public had to work 147 days last year just to pay their taxes and that the style of the Government is to leak policy outside the House before reporting it here, are we supposed to feel better when the married couples allowance is not abolished next week? How will the Government continue to deliver their election promises while supposedly not raising taxes?
§ Ms HewittThe hon. Gentleman's constituents and mine will welcome the fact that the Government have cut VAT on fuel, cut national insurance contributions for employers, cut corporation tax, cut small business tax rates and cut capital gains tax. We have also introduced the biggest-ever increase in child benefit. Is he telling us that the Conservative party would not only repeal the working families tax credit, but reverse the increase in child benefit?