Income Tax

HC Deb 10 June 1988 vol 134 cc699-700W

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the income tax remitted to taxpayers at all levels since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The amount of income tax remitted to taxpayers at all levels since 1979 was:

Year (to 31 October)	Amount (£ thousand)
1979	39,617
1980	45,091
1981	55,020
1982	70,143
1983	93,721
1984	126,905
1985	138,468
1986	187,088

Tax is written off where there is no reasonable prospect of recovery—for example, because the taxpayer is insolvent.