HC Deb 23 December 1981 vol 15 cc436-7W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report tables comparable to that published in appendix 5 "Disposal Incomes" of the first report from the Treasury and Civil Service Committee, 1981–82, for (i) average earnings, (ii) twice average earnings, (iii) five times average earnings, for (a) single persons, (b) married couples and (c) married couples with three children for each of the years 1978–79 to 1981–82.

Mr. Brittan

Figures for a married couple with three children are as follows:

£ per week, 1978–79 prices
1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82
Average earnings
Gross earnings 94.42 96.16 98.68 98.68
Less income tax 18.36 19.18 20.42 21.29
Less national insurance contributions 6.14 6.25 6.66 7.65
Plus child benefit 7.71 10.37 9.51 9.95
Net earnings 77.63 81.10 81.11 79.69
Twice average earnings
Gross earnings 188.84 192.31 197.36 197.36
Less income tax 49.52 48.03 50.63 53.33
Less national insurance contributions 7.80 7.58 8.27 10.41
Plus child benefit 7.71 10.37 9.51 9.95
Net earnings 139.23 147.07 147.97 143.57
Five times average earnings
Gross earnings 472.10 480.78 493.40 493.40
Less income tax 228.19 193.39 204.48 213.19
Less national insurance contributions 7.80 7.58 8.27 10.41
Plus child benefit 7.71 10.37 9.51 9.95
Net earnings 243.82 290.18 290.16 279.75

Indirect tax estimates for this family type could be made only at disproportionate cost.

The remainder of the information requested has already been published in the report to which the hon. Gentleman refers, along with explanatory notes which are also relevant to the preceding figures.