HC Deb 08 March 1983 vol 38 c342W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the gain to the Exchequer of abolishing, respectively, the housekeeper, dependent relative and son's or daughter's allowances.

Mr. Ridley

Estimates for 1982–83 are published in table 4.7 of "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1983–84 to 1985–86" (Cmnd. 8789, volume two).

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Exchequer of the additional personal allowance given to (a) persons entitled to the single person's allowance and (b) other persons; and whether the concession under (a) is not available to wives who have a separate earnings election.

Mr. Ridley

The additional personal allowance is estimated to cost £140 million in a full year at 1982–83 income levels; some £2 million to £3 million of this amount is thought to be attributable to married men entitled to the married man's allowance—who can claim only if the wife is totally incapacitated—the remainder is attributable to persons entitled to the single person's allowance. Wives—or husbands—who have an earnings election in force are not entitled to claim the allowance.