§ 2. Mr. EvennettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much marginal rates on income tax have changed since 1979; and what evidence he has of the effect on incentives of cutting marginal rates of direct taxation.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSince 1979 we have cut the top rate of tax from 83 per cent. to 40 per cent. and the basic rate from 33 per cent. to 25 per cent. We have introduced a new 20 per cent. rate for those on low incomes. This has improved incentives and encouraged enterprise at all levels.
§ 14. Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total income tax revenue is now paid by the highest 10 per cent. of earners; and what was the proportion in 1979.
§ Mr. DorrellThe top 10 per cent. of income tax payers are currently estimated to pay 45 per cent. of total income tax compared with 35 per cent. in 1978–79.
§ 8. Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people in the United Kingdom who will be paying income tax in 1996.
§ Mr. DorrellLatest estimates suggest that 26.3 million individuals will be liable to income tax in 1996–97.
§ 18. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in the last four weeks as to the level of income tax.
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§ Mr. DorrellI have received a number of representations on the level of income tax.