HC Deb 09 March 1978 vol 945 cc761-2W
Mr. MacGregor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue cost of increasing the single person's earning wife's income tax allowance from £945 to £1,145 and the married allowance from £1,455 to £1,755; and what is the number of people who would be taken out of taxation in consequence.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

About £1,975 million at 1977–78 levels.

About 1¼ million taxpayers, counting earning wives separately, would be relieved from liability.

Mr. MacGregor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue cost of increasing the single person's and earning wife's income tax allowance from £945 to £1,420 and the married allowance from £1,455 to £2,185, and estimate the number of people who would be taken out of taxation in consequence.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

About £4,600 million at 1977–78 income levels.

About 3.1 million taxpayers, counting earnings wives separately, would be relieved from liability.