§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the cost of collecting £100 in taxes rose from £1.94 to £2 between 1977–78 and 1978–79; and what is his latest estimate of the current cost of collecting a corresponding sum.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply 21 February 1980]: I assume that my 378W hon. Friend is referring to the cost-yield ratio published in the 122nd report of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Inland Revenue.
The introduction of a lower rate band of income was wholly responsible for the increase.
I regret that no firm estimate of the cost of tax collection for the year 1979–80 can yet be made.