HC Deb 03 November 1970 vol 805 cc307-8W
30. Mr. Waddington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now take steps to simplify the taxation system.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Studies are being conducted into a number of aspects of taxation with a view the simplification but I cannot say when it may be possible to introduce legislation.

43. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the fact that taxes on income are lower in this country than in the United States of America and elsewhere, he will take steps to reduce indirect taxation, which bears most hardly on the poor.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

As my right hon. Friend explained in his Statement on 27th October, the immediate need is for a cut in our direct taxes which are among the highest in the world.

54. Mr. Kaufman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those taxes which he intends to abolish during the present Parliament and those which he intends to reduce during the present Parliament; and if, in each list, he will place the taxes in the order of priority which he proposes for their abolition or reduction, respectively.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

No.

67. Mr. Rose

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what cuts in taxation have been made since June, 1970.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement my right hon. Friend made on 27th October, and to the announcement about betterment levy on 22nd July.—[Vol. 805, c. 37–75; Vol. 804, c. 548–55.]

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increases he estimates will be made in the total yield from taxation by April. 1973.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

I regret that I am not prepared to make such estimates.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the percentage of gross national product attributable to taxes, including social security contributions, in the United Kingdom and in other countries of Western Europe, from information available to him from international sources.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

The hon. Member will find this information in the article and tables on this subject published in the August, 1970 issue of Economic Trends, a copy of which is in the Library.