§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Prime Minister what was the ratio for (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Scotland, of average family income for the richest quarter of households compared with the poorest quarter of households in 1979; and what was the ratio in 1985.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is estimated from the family expenditure survey that the ratios of the household incomes for those households in the top quarter of the income range compared with those in the bottom quarter, are as follows measuring income in gross terms:
United Kingdom Scotland 1979 6.2:1 6.4:1 1985 7.9:1 8.1:1 Income as measured by the FES is not an indicator of wealth. Households with the largest incomes tend to be those with the largest number of members. The lowest quartile of households has a predominance of lone adult households including pensioners while the upper quartile has the highest average number of members contributing to the income.