34. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much Surtax would have to be increased to ensure a revenue return sufficient to enable him to increase old-age pensions by 10s. per week; and whether he will consider this method of financing an increase to old-age pensioners in his forthcoming Budget.
§ Sir E. BoyleThe cost of a 10s. a week increase for single pensioners with consequential increases for married couples and for other insurance benefits would be of the order of £200 million. To finance this by an increase in Surtax revenue would involve more than doubling the present yield of the tax. With regard to the last part of the Question, the hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.