§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek to introduce a wealth tax on all assets above £50,000 or £100,000.
§ Mr. HealeyMy hon. Friend will recall that on 29th November 1976 in a written reply to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Drake (Miss Fookes)—[Vol. 921, c.49]—I said that the Government had decided not to introduce a wealth tax during the life of this Parliament, but that the tax would continue to be an important part of our programme. The right level for the threshold of a wealth tax is one of the many important questions on which we shall reach a decision at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. Lawsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer; pursuant to the reply on wealth tax to the hon. Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) [Official Report, 18th December 1975, c. 105–6]—when he proposes to publish draft clauses for public discussion.
§ Mr. HealeyThe hon. Member will recall that on 29th November 1976 in a written reply to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Drake (Miss Fookes)—[Vol. 921, c.49]—I said that the Government had decided not to introduce a wealth tax in the life of this Parliament, but that the tax would continue to be an important part of the Government's programme. I shall consider at the appropriate time whether to publish draft clauses for public discussion.