To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated cost would be of reintroducing the 10 pence tax band with effect from the beginning of the 2008-09 financial year. (206575)

Reintroducing the 10p starting rate for non-savings income would cost around £6.7 billion for 2008-09. This estimate assumes the personal allowance had remained at £5,435 and not been increased by £600 as announced by the Chancellor on Tuesday 13 May.