§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria he will use to assess the economic case for introducing the ten pence starting rate of income tax; and if he will make a statement. [59435]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 12 November 1998]: As the Chancellor made clear in his statement on the Pre-Budget Report on 3 November 1998, Official Report, columns 681–88, the Government will introduce a 10 pence starting rate of income tax when it is economically right to do so. The new rate will be incorporated in the income tax system in the way that best meets the Government's objectives of improving work incentives and promoting a fair and efficient tax system.