HC Deb 09 February 1984 vol 53 c724W
18. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has about the latest figures for all European Economic Community countries, showing the rise in taxes as a percentage of national income since 1979.

Mr. Moore

Taxes and social security contributions have risen as a percentage of GDP in most EEC countries. The information is as follows. It shows that the United Kingdom was ranked sixth among EEC countries in 1982, and seventh in 1979.

Taxes and Social Security Contributions as Percentage of GDP at market prices
1979

Per cent.

 1982

Per cent.
Belgium 45.6 45.5
Denmark 44.8 44.5
France 41.1 43.7
W. Germany 37.5 37.0
Greece 27.7 31.7
Ireland 33.1 40.5
Italy 30.2 *33.7
Luxembourg 35.4 33.3
Netherlands 45.0 45.4
United Kingdom †33.3 39.7
United Kingdom ranking 7th 6th
* 1981 figure
† revised to take account of latest information

Source: OECD Revenue Statistics and CSO