§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the current average annual subsidy to (a) council house tenants and (b) mortgage payers, and what change in the basic rate of tax would he required to equalise the subsidies paid to both groups;
(2) what was the average annual subsidy to (a) council house tenants and 167W (b) mortgage payers in each year since 1965 to 1975.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe relevant figures for England and Wales in each of the years 1965–66 to 1975–76 are:
(a) (b) £ £ 1965–66 … … 29 30 1966–67 … … 30 34 1967–68 … … 32 38 1968–69 … … 36 41 1969–70 … … 44 49 1970–71 … … 48 58 1971–72 … … 50 62 1972–73 … … 46 73 1973–74 … … 65 101 1974–75 … … 130 136 1975–76 … … 174 170 (a) Average subsidy from Central Government and rate fund contributions excluding rent rebates per council house. (b) Average tax relief and option mortgage subsidy per mortgagor. The averages for 1975–76, which are nearly equal, are based on the latest available information and may he subject to revision.