§ Mr. Stuart Hollandasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of personal wealth was represented by the top 2, 10 and 20 per cent., respectively, of the British population since 1979.
§ Mr. RidleyI regret that this information is not readily available in the form requested. However, the amounts of personal wealth, including occupational and state pension rights, held by the wealthiest 2 per cent., 10 per cent. and 255W 25 per cent. of the adult population of the United Kingdom in the years 1979, 1980 and 1981 (the latest year available) were:
Distribution of personal wealth, including pension rights, amongst the adult population Percentage of wealth owned by Year 1979 per cent. 1980 per cent. 1981 per cent. Wealthiest 2 per cent. 18 16 16 Wealthiest 10 per cent. 37 35 35 Wealthiest 25 per cent.* 58–61 57–60 57–60 The basis of these estimates is set out in "Inland Revenue Statistics, 1982" * This range of estimates depends on assumptions made about the relationship between occupational pension rights and other forms of wealth.