§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families(a) with children and (b) without have lost more as a result of increased interest 687W rates since the Budget of 1988 than they have gained as a result of Budget changes made in 1988 and 1989; and what are the amounts by which they are worse or better off at various total income levels.
§ Mr. LilleyFamilies will have benefited from many Budget measures since 1988, with the size of the gain depending on a range of other factors as well as total income levels. Many families will also have seen other changes in their circumstances since March 1988. There is thus no satisfactory basis on which to answer the hon. Member's question.