§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide the latest available estimates of the number of women who have earnings below(a) the tax threshold and (b) the national insurance threshold, broken down for married women, lone parents and single parents and for each year since 1979.
§ Sir George Young[holding answer 15 February 1995]: It is estimated that in 1994–95 about 2.3 million women employees have no income tax liability, and about the same number have earnings below the national insurance lower earnings limit. Some women in this latter category will be taxpayers clue to income from other sources. In each of the categories, approximately 75 per cent. are married women, 10 per cent. are lone parents and 15 per cent. single women. It is ot possible to provide a consistent series of figures for earlier years.