§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures showing the level of gross income at which married couples with two dependent children start to pay income
Country Income year Marginal rate Gross income level Per cent £ Belgium … 1978 52.5 19,110 Denmark (1) … 1978 See notes France … 1977 54.0 57,740 Germany … 1978 50.0 31,750 Ireland … 1977–78 50.0 7,645 Ireland (proposed) (2) … 1978–79 50.0 8,275 Italy … 1978 50.0 68,390 Luxembourg … 1978 51.25 20,010 Netherlands … 1978 50.0 13,060 United Kingdom (3) … 1978–79 50.0 10,736 Sweden … 1978 53.0 12,310 United States of America … 1978 50.0 27,140 Canada (4) … 1978 See notes Australia … 1977–78 51.25 11,750 Japan … 1978 54.0 93,080 NOTES
General A. Where there is no marginal rate of 50 per cent., information is given for the lowest rate above 50 per cent. B. Exchange rates are those for 22nd June 1978. C. It has been assumed that the income is wholly employment income, and wholly the husband's. D. Account has been taken of personal reliefs, minimum deductions for expenses, employment income reliefs, other flat rate reliefs, and deductible social security contributions. Specific countries (1) Denmark: The top rate of national income tax is 39.6 per cent. This rate begins at the equivalent of £12,480. (2) Ireland: The 1978–79 figure represents budget proposals not yet law. (3) United Kingdom: 1978 Budget proposals, not taking into account Committee Stage amendments. It is assumed that both children are under 11. (4) Canada: The top rate of federal income tax is 43 per cent. This rate begins at the equivalent of £46,340.