§ Mr. Bishopasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will exempt widows' pensions from income tax.
§ Dr. GilbertI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 21st March to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. Steel).—[Vol. 870, c. 1300–1.]
§ Mr. Batesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of ex- 110W empting the war widows' pension from Merseyside tax.
§ Dr. GilbertThe information on which to base an estimate is not available. To calculate the cost it is necessary to know the total income of war widows as well as the total of their pensions. Information on the first is not available.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any early plans to overcome the problems of widows in respect of the taxable status of single women regardless of responsibilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertI appreciate the difficulties many widows face, particularly when they have a home to run. I should remind my hon. Friend, however, that a widow who has sole responsibility for the care of a child for whom she receives the child tax allowance is entitled to the additional personal allowance.