§ Mr. Ryanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many blind people benefit from the £100 tax allowance; how many benefited from relief at the standard rate of tax in 1967; and what was the total cost to the Exchequer of this allowance in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively.
§ Mr. Harold LeverThe latest estimate suggests that about 24,000 people qualify for the blind persons' allowance or a restricted part of it, of whom about 6,000 benefited at the standard rate on the whole allowance. For the years 1964–65. 1965–66, 1966–67 and 1967–68 the costs are estimated at £½ million, £¾ million, £¾ million and £¾ million, respectively.