§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Prime Minister if she will set up an inquiry into the whole of the income redistribution system, including income tax, national insurance contributions, domestic rates and other statutory contributions and the full range of cash benefits available to citizens, including national insurance, supplementary benefit, housing subsidies, educational support and training allowances.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not believe that such a broad inquiry would be very useful. The Government keep these matters under review, setting up formal inquiries when necessary. In 1982 Government Departments submitted a substantial amount of evidence to the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee's Sub-Committee on personal income taxation and support. This year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has set up inquiries into all the major social security benefits.