§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in real terms in (a) tax allowances since the temporary 1979–80 rates introduced by the Finance Act 1979 and (b) child benefit since April 1979, specifying in each case any assumptions used.
§ Mr. Moore[pursuant to his reply, 17 December 1984, c. 64]: Because of the changes introduced in the June 1979 Budget, a comparison of the kind requested would not be appropriate. However, during 1978–79, child support for a family paying tax at the basic rate with a child under 11 averaged £3.20 per week. In 1984–85 it will be £6.63 per 362W week—an increase in real terms of about 17.br per cent. Over the same period, personal allowances have increased in real terms by about 16 per cent.