§ Mr. Squireasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Exchequer, at 1983–84 tax rates, of the married man's tax alowance; how much of this cost is attributable to taxpayers aged below 65 years; and what is the weekly value of this relief to a married man paying income tax at the standard rate.
§ Mr. Ridley[pursuant to his reply, 31 March 1983, c. 255]: The cost of the excess of the married man's allowance (including married age allowance where appropriate) over the corresponding single person's allowance is estimated at £3,800 million in a full year at 1983–84 income levels and with the income tax rates and allowances proposed in the Budget. £3,300 million is attributable to couples below 65 years of age. The weekly value to a married man paying at the basic rate of tax is £5.83 (£8.05 if he receives age allowance).