asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the effect on the revenue if the rate of income tax on taxable earnings up to £2,500 were 8 per cent., from £2,500 to £25,000, 25 per cent., and, over £25,000, 40 per cent.

If the rates of tax quoted were applied to all taxable income the estimated cost would be about £11,700 million on the basis of 1977–78 incomes and allowances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the light of the fact that many 1977–78 income tax assessments were agreed by taxpayers, particularly small businesses, before the announcement of 26th October and in many cases have become incorrect, what steps are being taken to allow late appeal in such cases and to allow taxpayers if necessary to revise their claims for capital allowances; and what instructions he has given to the Inland Revenue to keep the paper work to a minimum.

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of introducing a cut-off point in the tax system whereby no taxpayer paid more than 50 per cent. of his earned income and not more than 65 per cent. of investment income in tax.

I regret it is not possible without undue expenditure of time and resources to give an answer in terms of income before deducting personal allowances. To restrict tax so that no individual was charged more than 50 per cent. of taxable income—after deducting personal allowances, mortgage interest, etc.—that is not liable to the investment income surcharge, or more than 65 per cent. of investment income subject to the surcharge, would cost almost £350 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost in the fiscal year 1977–78 of having a top marginal rate of tax of earned income of 60 per cent. and of investment income of 75 per cent.

To make the top higher rate of tax 60 per cent. whilst retaining the additional rates in investment income, would cost about £260 million for 1977–78.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to the Written Answer to the hon. Member for Blaby, Official Report, 28th November, column 44, if he will provide an estimate of income tax and employees' social security contributions as a percentage of total United Kingdom personal income, less employers' social security contributions in 1975 and 1976, comparable with the figure of 19 per cent. in 1974.

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.