HC Deb 10 April 1978 vol 947 cc318-20W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in tabular form in the Official Report the annual tax allowances for tools and wear and tear of clothes agreed between the Inland Revenue and individual trade unions for 50 of the largest categories of workers for each of the last six years up to and including 1978–79; and if he will take steps to publicise these allowances more widely.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Details of flat rate tax allowances for tools and special clothing are confidential.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ask employers to notify their employees that they are entitled to an annual tax allowance for tools and wear and tear of clothes where this has been agreed by the Inland Revenue, and also the amount agreed.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 7th April 1978], gave the following information:

The flat rate tax allowances given for such expenses are a matter between employees and the Inland Revenue, and details of the amounts are confidential.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate number of workers entitled to an income tax allowance for tools and wear and tear of clothing; and how many are receiving this allowance.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 7th April 1978], gave the following information:

£ million
Not seasonally adjusted Seasonal adjustment Seasonally adjusted
Public sector borrowing requirement, less purchases of public sector debt by non-bank private sector -1,223 +1,243 +20
Sterling bank lending:
to private sector +746 -503 +243
to overseas +91 +91
Domestic Credit Expansion -386 +740 +354
External and foreign currency finance +417 -36 +381
Non Deposit Liabilities, etc. +67 +180 +247
Sterling M3 +98 +884 +982

The change in M1 growth and its components, with and without seasonal

Not seasonally adjusted Seasonal adjustment Seasonally adjusted
Notes and coin in circulation with public -308 +452 +144
United Kingdom private sector sterling sight deposits +77 +460 +537
-231 +912 +681

About 8 million workers come within these arrangements and, except in cases where the employer bears the cost, may claim and receive the flat-rate allowance.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present annual allowance for tools and wear and tear of clothing for individual skilled fitters and turners in the engineering industry; and what were the allowances in April 1968 and April 1975.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 7th April 1978], gave the following answer:

Details of flat rate tax allowances for tools and special clothing are confidential.

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