HC Deb 15 February 1988 vol 127 cc418-9W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the direct tax burden has changed for those on below average earnings since 1979.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Income tax liabilities of single people and married couples with total income below average earnings are £3.4 billion less in 1987–88 than they would be if the 1978–79 tax regime had been retained and indexed for inflation. Average earnings are those for full-time males (all occupations) paid at adult rates and they are estimated at £229.80 per week in 1987–88.