§ Mr. Rookerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the extra number of income tax payers in 1981–82 as a result of failing to raise tax allowances; and if he will indicate separate numbers for people above and below 65 years of age.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 19 March 1981, c. 175]: It is estimated that 1¼ million more people will pay tax in 1981–82 than if allowances had been increased in line with the statutory indexation provisions. About 0.4 million are 65 years of age or above (or are married to a partner who is 65 or over); the remaining 0.85 million are below 65.