§ Mr. Clayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in the average real net incomes of the working population since May 1979.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[pursuant to his reply, 15 January 1987, c. 295]: Real increases in take-home pay from 1978–79 to 1986–87 for those on average adult male earnings are as follows:
Percentage Single 18.5 Married man: no children 18.1 two children 17.7 The estimates are based on the following assumptions:
- (a) No allowances or reliefs other than the appropriate personal allowances;
- (b) no wife's earnings;
- (c) National Insurance Contributions at the contracted-in rate;
- (d) earnings at average adult males (all occupations) rate; and use the retail prices index to measure changes in real terms.