§ Mr. Newtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people over 65 years of age had incomes below their tax threshold at the latest date for which figures are available; and whether he can estimate how many of these people were single.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe latest figures available relate to 1974–75, when there were about 4 million people over 65 not paying tax. Husbands and wives are counted as one unit. Of the total about 3 million were single, widowed or divorced persons.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many elderly persons he estimates will be relieved from liability to pay income tax during the current year.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe estimated number of elderly persons who would pay tax in 1977–78 but for the Budget changes is about 150,000. Elderly persons are defined as those aged over 65, counting husband and wife as one.