§ Mr. Nelsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he expects the increases in real take-home pay to be for (a) a single person, (b) a childless married couple and (c) a married couple with two children on 75 per cent., 100 per cent. and 200 per cent. of average earnings between 1978–79 and 1983–84; and what were the corresponding increases between 1973–74 and 1978–79.
§ Mr. RidleyEstimates are shown in the following table. For the period 1978–79 to 1983–84 they are consistent with the assumptions about the increases in earnings and prices in 1983–84 underlying the FSBR. For married couples it is assumed that only the husband is earning and the children in the last family type are assumed both to be under the age of 11. Other definitions are as given in the answer to the hon: Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Cunningham) on 23 November 1982.—[Vol. 32, c.418–20.]
Percentage increases Proportion of average earnings Single Married couple Married couple with 2 children (a)1978–79 to 1983–84 75 per cent. 4.4 4.0 4.8 100 per cent. 5.3 4.9 5.5 200 per cent. 7.1 7.1 7.2 (b)1973–74 to 1978–79 75 per cent. -2.2 0.3 2.0 100 per cent. -2.9 -0.8 0.5 200 per cent. -4.1 -2.5 -1.5