§ Mr. Parryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning the proposed reduction in seamen's earnings following his Budget statement.
§ Mr. Moore[pursuant to his reply, 12 April 1984, c. 349]: We have received representations from the National Union of Seamen, the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers' Association and the General Council of British Shipping. In addition, some 130 letters have been received from seafarers and their families and a small number from hon. Members on behalf of seafarers generally.
I have invited officials from the seafarers' unions to meet me and have already seen representatives of the General Council of British Shipping.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the estimated average loss of seamen's earnings in the years 1984–85 and 1985–86 following the proposals contained in his Budget statement;
(2) if he will assess the loss in annual earnings as a consequence of his Budget statement of a seaman being abroad for six months.
§ Mr. Moore[pursuant to his reply, 12 April 1984, c. 349]: The combined effect in 1984–85 of the Budget proposals to halve the 25 per cent. foreign earnings relief and to increase personal tax allowances will mean for a married rating on assumed average earnings of £155 per week an increase of tax of £1.50 per week—with an average qualifying proportion for the relief provisionally estimated at 225/365 — and 83p per week — with a qualifying proportion of 180/365.
On the same assumptions the withdrawal of the balance of the relief proposed for 1985–86 will lead to further increases of £3.58 and £2.91 per week, respectively, less the benefit from any increase in personal allowances for that year.