§ 26. Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that a man with a wife and two children has only 20p more spending power when he earns £30 per week than when he earns £25 per week; and if he will take action to remedy this situation.
§ Dr. GilbertI am aware of the situation to which the hon. Member refers, which arises because of the combined operation of tax deductions and the withdrawal of means tested benefits as earnings increase. I shall keep the matter under review, but I have no statement to make at present.