§ 10. Mr. Critchleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the marginal rate of tax for a married man on the average wage in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, Germany and Sweden, assuming that he is married with two children under 11 years of age, from information available from international sources.
§ Mr. HigginsI regret that figures for average wages in these countries are not available on a comparable basis.
§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, because the proposed reduction of 6d. in the income tax will be the equivalent of a rise of £8,000 in the gross pay of a man earning £18,000 and over, he will reconsider this proposal in his next Budget, with a view to increasing the incentives of a larger number of people to a greater extent.
§ Mr. HigginsNo. The hon. Member is mistaken about the effect of the reduction in the standard rate of income tax.
§ Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difficulties and anxieties imposed on elderly income tax payers by the merging of the reduced rate of tax with the standard rate; and if he will give consideration in his next Budget to the amelioration of their position.
§ Mr. HigginsMy right hon. Friend will be reviewing the position of elderly taxpayers along with that of other taxpayers when preparing his Budget.