§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to his Written Answer to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North, Official Report, 24th June 1977, column 608, if he will give comparable figures for the same family groupings, and in the same years, but assuming earnings equal to 75 per cent., of relevant average male manual earnings in each year.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe figures are as follows:
taken to be 75 per cent. of average manual earnings in each year.
Revised figures for 1977–78, taking account of the proposed tax changes announced in the Chancellor's Statement of 15th July 1977, are as follows:
§ Mr. Robert SheldonOn the basis of the policies my right hon. Friend outlined in his statement on 15th July, the increase in the retail price index over the next 12 months is expected to be below 10 per cent. But this prospect cannot be guaranteed if earnings rise by more than 10 per cent. over the same period.