Sickness and Unemployment Benefits (Tax Exemption)

HC Deb 04 March 1970 vol 797 cc130-1W

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT the detailed calculations which led him to conclude that it would cost £15 million to collect taxes due on sickness and unemployment benefits if the present exemption of such benefits from tax were withdrawn.

Mr. Taverne

The estimated cost of £15 million was arrived at after a careful consideration of the procedures which would be involved in taxing sickness and unemployment benefits and of the work burden which these would create. This would mean the employment of 11,200 extra staff.