HC Deb 28 January 1954 vol 522 cc262-3W
64. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons in the United Kingdom have incomes over and under £1,500 net per annum as shown by the latest figures available; and, if all income over £1,500 per annum were distributed to those receiving less, how much per week it would add to the incomes of those receiving less.

Mr. Maudling

In 1951–52, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of personal incomes over £1,500 net after deduction of tax was about 214,000 and the number of net incomes below that amount was about 25.3 million. If the whole of the excess over £1,500 had been distributed to those with net incomes below that amount each of the latter would have received about two shillings per week.

65. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the income required today to equal the purchasing power of £2,000 per annum when Surtax was first introduced at this level in 1918–19.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no materials available for a precise estimate. The figure would not, however, be likely to be less than £3,400.