§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people earn less than the respective point at which the tax benefit withdrawal level falls to 34 per cent.
§ Mr. JackReliable estimates are not available on the basis requested. Estimates of the number of full-time workers receiving income-related benefits and facing combined income tax and benefit withdrawal rates in excess of 40 per cent. were given to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Brown) on 8 March at column314–15. It is very unlikely that there are any full-time workers facing marginal deduction rates between 34 per cent. and 40 per cent.