HC Deb 11 March 1987 vol 112 c210W
Mr. Hargreaves

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give revised cash limits for 1986–87 which take account of the decision by some Departments not to seek supplementary provision to cover the carry-forward allowed under the end-year flexibility scheme.

Mr. MacGregor

Under the end-year flexibility schemes announced in 1983, some 32 1986–87 cash limits were increased to allow for the carry forward of capital underspend in 1985–86. (Official Report, 22 July 1986, c. 143–46). In the case of four voted cash limits, the relevant Departments have not sought parliamentary approval for the extra provision in a Supplementary Estimate. To keep the control figures in line with provision the cash limits are accordingly being reduced; a list is shown in the following table:

Mr. Norman Lamont

[pursuant to his reply, 2 March 1987; c. 521]The direct revenue cost at 1987–88 forecast levels of income would be at least £8 billion in a full year compared with an indexed income tax regime. The precise cost would depend on the rules for unmarried couples and whether a separate wife's earned income allowance was retained.