HC Deb 26 January 1971 vol 810 cc58-60W
36. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average income per head of population in the United Kingdom in 1970; and if he will tabulate the comparable figure for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, respectively, indicating how this compares with those for the previous five

£
1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969
At current market prices … 615 657 696 728 777 826
At constant (1963) market prices … 598 609 618 627 643 650

Comparable figures for England and Wales and Scotland are not available, but the Northern Ireland Government has published figures for the gross domestic product at factor cost which show that on that basis the Northern Ireland figures per head were about 70 per cent. of those for the United Kingdom in 1968, the latest year available.

The table below shows the corresponding figures for other countries, converted to sterling at the official exchange rates. These figures do not, however, necessarily give a comparison of differences in the standard of living as the exchange rates may not reflect differences in internal purchasing power. The figures are based on returns made to O.E.C.D. and to the United Nations.

Countries with a higher income per head than the United Kingdom, 1969
£
Australia … … 1,030*†
Belgium … … 900*
Canada … … 1,250*
Denmark … … 1,190
France … … 1,160
Germany … … 1,050
Luxembourg … … 1,080
Netherlands … … 920
Norway … … 1,050
Sweden … … 1,350*
Switzerland … … 1,240
United States … … 1,940
(United Kingdom … … 826)
*Figures relate to 1968. Figures for 1969 are not yet available.
†Figure relates to the fiscal year beginning 1st July.

49. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to the increasing gap between the rich and the poor.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

The Government's policy is to increase the prosperity of the economy as a whole, thus enabling years, and each of the countries of the world with higher incomes than the United Kingdom, from figures available to him from international sources.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

The following is the replyFigures for 1970 are not yet available. The following table shows the gross national product at market prices per head of the population for the United Kingdom for 1969 and the five preceding years.

the real income of the poor as well as of the rest of the community to rise faster than under the last Administration.

63. Mr. Kaufman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of those in employment receiving incomes of £30 a week and under; how many are in receipt of incomes of more than £30 a week; and how many of these latter are in receipt of incomes of more than £50 a week.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

I am afraid that this information is not available.