HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1044-5W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of taxpayers who were liable to pay income tax at a marginal rate of 40 per cent. or above in each year since 1970. [29889]

Mr. Jack

[holding answer 21 June 1995]: Provisional estimates for 1993–94 onwards are contained in the table. Increase in taxpayer numbers reflects higher taxable incomes and economic growth. Prior to 1979–80 there were nine higher rates of tax, the highest being 83 per cent. Now there is only one higher rate of 40 per cent.

Taxpayers liable at 40 per cent.
Thousands
1993–94 1,740
1994–95 2,150
1995–96 2,250

Available figures for earlier years were given in the reply to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) on 5 May 1994.