HC Deb 01 November 1979 vol 972 cc635-6W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of total income before tax is held by the following groups of earners in the United Kingdom (a) top 1 per cent., (b) top 5 per cent. and (c) top 10 per cent.; and what are the corresponding percentages of total income after tax.

Mr. Lawson

As I stated in my reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Mr. Arnold) on 13 July—[Vol. 970, c. 302]—recompense on delayed dividends will be payable at the rate of 17 per cent. per annum tax free. Dividends due on 15 June were delayed two or three weeks according to the method of payment. Recompense in respect of these particular dividends is expected to be paid during January 1980.