HC Deb 31 January 1977 vol 925 c47W
Mr. Jim Lester

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what comparable income a family man married with four children would have to earn in 1975, 1976 and 1977 to maintain standards available on £5,000 per year in 1974.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

A married man with four children earning £5,000 a year in 1974 would take home £3,875 after taking account of income tax, family allowance and national insurance contributions. To take home the same amount in real terms he would have to earn £6,435 in 1975, £7,570 in 1976 and £9,420 in 1977. For 1975 and 1976 the systems of income tax and national insurance contributions are those appropriate to the year in question. For 1977 the tax system is assumed to be the same as in 1976 except that account is taken of the announced changes in child benefit.