HC Deb 06 July 1978 vol 953 cc298-9W
Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of post-war tax credits outstanding for repayment when these were stopped; what proportion of these should have been repaid already; and how much of this entitlement has been claimed.

Mr. Joel Barnett

It is estimated that the total amount of income tax post-war credits created for the years 1941–42 to 1945–46, when the post-war credit arrangements came to an end, was £765 million. All those entitled to post-war credits have been entitled to claim repayment without restriction, since 1973.

Of the original £765 million of credit, it is estimated that over 93 per cent. has now been repaid; it is likely that a significant part of the balance outstanding will, for a variety of reasons, never be claimed.