§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effects on employment of raising the level of the personal income tax allowance by £1,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement. [14519]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 10 November 1997]: Improving the incentive to work will help increase employment. The Government is currently looking at ways of streamlining and modernising the tax and benefits system to meet the objectives of promoting work incentives, reducing poverty and welfare dependency, and strengthening community and family life. This review includes looking at benefits, tax rates and allowances to find the most effective way to encourage employment and reward work.