HC Deb 09 July 1987 vol 119 c253W
28. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer. what representations he has received regarding the reform of personal taxation.

Mr. Lamont

Following the publication of the Green Paper "The Reform of Personal Taxation" responses were received from around 70 organisations and about 400 individuals. Although a majority of those who expressed a preference favoured the introduction of a system of independent taxation of husband and wife with transferable allowances, the total number responding was low. In these circumstances we did not yet feel there was sufficient support to go ahead with so far-reaching a reform. We are exploring the possibility of finding a halfway house to the Green Paper approach. Ministers continue to receive correspondence on the issues discussed in the Green Paper.