HC Deb 24 May 1973 vol 857 cc113-4W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the tax revenue to be derived from the taxation of sickness, unemployment, and supplementary benefits, at present exempt from tax; and what adjustments in the standard rate of income tax would be required to offset the extension of taxation to such benefits.

Mr. Nott

On the basis of the proposed rates of benefit from October 1973, about £160 million gross for 1973–74. However after collection costs this would only be equivalent to a small fraction of a penny of the basic rate of income tax.