asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the saving to the Exchequer, at 1982–83 tax rates, if the extra tax relief provided through the married man's tax allowance were abolished; how much of this saving would be attributable to those below pension age; and what would be the weekly loss to a married man.

If the married man's allowance were reduced to the level of the single allowance and the wife's earned income allowance continued to be available to married women, neither allowance being transferable, the yield—at 1982–83 income levels and assuming the levels of allowance proposed in the Budget—would he about £3,400 million in a full year. It is not possible to distinguish taxpayers below pensionable age, only those below 65; £2,900 million of the total is attributable to taxpayers below this age.The weekly loss to a married man paying income tax at the basic rate would be £5·08, or £7·07 for a man entitled to the age allowance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely on 11 March, what tax was payable by a single man earning £70 a week gross in February 1982; and what tax was payable on the same amount of earnings in real terms in February in each year from 1978 to 1981.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many married couples would pay less tax if they were to divorce.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.