§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each of the last 10 years the national average income for a man and state for each of those years what percentage of the male working population earned up to 30 per cent. more or less than that figure.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe available statistics on the incomes of men are derived from the Inland Revenue's survey of personal incomes. The averages quoted below therefore relate to men for whom income tax records are held; many of those with incomes too small to come within the income tax field are excluded. Calculations have been made for three years only: 1970–71, which is the first year for which suitable data are available; 1974–75, a year in the middle of the period; and 1979–79, the last year for which data are available. Figures for all the years requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
1970–71 1974–75 1978–79 £ £ £ Average total income of males 1,360 2,460 4,100 In each of the three years approximately 50 per cent. of the male working population, so far as covered by the survey of personal incomes, had earnings within 30 per cent. more or less than the average of total income shown above.
Total income is defined in The Survey of Personal Incomes 1977–78 (Her Majesty's Stationery Office) 1980—at page 6. Earnings consist of income from employment, and profits and professional earnings chargeable under schedule D, net of capital allowances, losses and stock relief.