HC Deb 21 January 1969 vol 776 cc72-3W
41. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will consider recommending a Royal visit to the Falkland Islands in 1969.

Mr. Whitlock

No.

The House fully appreciates the heavy burdens which members of the Royal family cheerfully assume in undertaking visits overseas, particularly in the Commonwealth, but provisional programmes already planned for such visits in 1969 appear to make a visit by any member of the Royal Family to the Falkland Islands unlikely.

42. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the per capita income per annum of the Falkland Islanders; and how this compares with United Kingdom incomes.

Mr. Whitlock

An economic survey of the Falkland Islands carried out in 1967 suggests an average income per head of the population in the year 1965 of £503. For the same year the United Kingdom figure was £526.

43. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the rates of Income Tax in the Falkland Islands; and how these compare with United Kingdom rates.

Mr. Whitlock

Since the reply is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply: The Falkland Islands Income Tax rates for individuals extend from 1s. to 5s. 9d. with the higher rate applying to the slice of income over £6,000. Companies are liable to Income Tax at 5s. 9d. Profits Tax is levied on the profits of trades and businesses at the rate of 1s. 6d. for individuals and 2s. for companies, this is not charged at all until profits exceed £2,000 and there is an abatement where these are between £2,000 and £12,000. I gave the detailed Income Tax Rates to my hon. Friend the Member for Heeley on the 30th of April 1968. The United Kingdom rate is 4s. at the lowest band on taxable incomes and (including surtax) is 18s. 3d. on the highest band. Surtax begins to apply at £2.000 of unearned income but not until £5,001 on earned income; the highest rate cannot apply until the total income exceeds £15,000.—[Vol. 763, c. 169.]