§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an estimate of the number of taxpayers earning less than two thirds of median male earnings in 1986–87; and what proportion this group represents of all taxpayers.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[pursuant to his reply, 4 December 1986, c. 776]: It is estimated that, in 1986–87, about 6 million single people and married couples, representing about 30 per cent. of taxpayers, are liable to tax on gross incomes of less than two thirds of median male earnings. (Median full-time, adult male earnings in April 1986 were £185.10 per week.)