HC Deb 16 January 1984 vol 52 cc21-2W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what gross weekly income would be required on 1 November to maintain the real disposable income of a married man with two children under 11 years of age, taking into account payment of tax, national insurance and 5 per cent. of earnings as superannuation contributions, and taking into account receipt of child benefit, who, on 1 November 1974, earned (a) £30 per week (b) £50 per week (c) £70 per week and (d) £130 per week.

Mr. Moore

Information is in the following table:

Equivalent Gross Weekly Earnings (Nov. 1983)
£
(a) 85.70
(b) 145.70
(c) 208.70
(d) 383.00

Liability to income tax has been calculated on the assumption that no reliefs or allowances other than the relief for superannuation contributions, the married man's allowance and — in 1974 — the child tax allowance are available. National insurance contributions are at the contracted-in rate. Child benefit is included at its level, on 1 November 1983, of £5.85 per week per child. It has since been increased to £6.50 per week. Real purchasing power has been calculated by reference to movements in the general index of retail prices between November 1974 and November 1983.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, using the same information and assumptions used in the reply of 23 November 1983, Official Report, c. 170–72, he will give the level of earnings in 1983–84 for each category of person at which the percentage of income tax and national insurance is the same as in 1978–79.

Mr. Moore

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.