§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table on the lines of his predecessor's written answer dated 28 March 1983, Official Report, column 59, showing the number and cost of wives' earnings election at various levels of joint total income under the existing tax regime and under an alternative which provided for (a) an increase in married and single allowances to £4,500 and £2,250, respectively, (b) two reduced rate bands of £1,000 at 10 per cent. and 20 per cent. respectively, (c) a standard rate band of £5,000 at 30 per cent, followed by (d) three higher rate bands of £4,000 and four of £5,000 all in 5 percentage point steps, but making no provision for any other allowances.
§ Mr. Moore[pursuant to his reply, c.286]: I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. Therefore I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.