§ Mr. Dubsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the income of a person on average earnings currently is accounted for by tax and national insurance; what was the equivalent figure in May 1979; and what it will be next year in the light of the proposals announced on 2 December.
§ Mr. RidleyI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) on 3 December—[Official Report; Vol. 14,c. 188]. For 1982–83, the proportions of earnings paid in tax and national insurance will depend on decisions to be taken in the Budget and on the rate of increase of earnings.