§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) of 2 June,Official Report, column 89, if the report to be prepared by the Inland Revenue into the tax and benefits system will consider alternative means for the taxation of married couples; [4813]
(2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Rotherham of 2 June, Official Report, column 89, if he will make it his policy not to take decisions on the future of the married couple's allowance until the review has been completed. [4801]
§ Dawn PrimaroloMartin Taylor is leading the task force on tax and benefits. He will no doubt consider whatever options can streamline and modernise the systems and so promote work incentives, reduce poverty and welfare dependency, and strengthen community and family life. The Government's policy is to take decisions which will achieve those objectives.