§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the average increase in income of the poorest 5 per cent. of people in the United Kingdom since 1979; and what has been the average increase in income of the wealthiest 5 per cent.
§ Mr. PortilloEstimates of real household income changes, adjusted for family size and composition, are only available for individuals expressed in 10 per cent. bands. Between 1979 and 1985 the incomes of the bottom 10 per cent. of individuals in Great Britain (expressed net of tax and national insurance, after the receipt of any social security benefits and before payment of any housing costs) rose by an average of 6 per cent. in real terms. The real incomes of the top 10 per cent. rose by 18 per cent.