§ Mr. David Huntasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to coordinate the Departments of Industry, Environment and Employment in their response to the recommendations of the National Enterprise Board contained in its report "Investment Potential in the North East and North West of 162W hon. Member for Chingford, Official Report, 3rd November, column 40, that the man on average industrial earnings with two young children is as well off now as he was at the time of the last General Election, he will state the figures of net take-home pay in real terms upon which he based his statement.
§ The Prime Minister:In my speech on 3rd November I said that the burden of total tax and benefits is not greater today than it was when the Conservative Government left office. The figures to which I referred show that, as I stated, after taking account of child benefits and family allowance, the tax and national insurance contributions paid by a married man with two children under 11 on average earnings are the same this year, in real terms, as in 1973–74. The figures are as follows:
England"; and how many of the recommendations have been accepted and implemented.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:I have been asked to reply.
The report has been considered by an appropriate inter-departmental committee. Eleven of the report's recommendations have been accepted and nine have been, or soon will be, implemented. The implementation of the remaining two is under consideration.