HC Deb 21 July 1980 vol 989 cc30-1W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Chancellor of the Excheqer, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North, Official Report, 18 June, column 539, if he will summarise the case against making national insurance contributions tax-deductible once all benefits are taxable.

Mr. Peter Rees

Making national insurance contributions tax-deductible would cost between £1,500 million and £2,000 million, would complicate the tax system and would require extra staff to administer.

Mr. Field

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish the number of couples at present benefiting, from the married man's tax allowance; and if he will distinguish between those with and without children;

(2) if he will update the answer given to the hon. Member for Barking (Miss Richardson) on the effects on the abolition of the married man's tax allowance on 11 July 1978.

Mr. Peter Rees

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.