Oral Answers to Questions

Kerry McCarthy Excerpts

Tuesday 12th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

That appears to be their solution given that, as I understand it, they still advocate the increase in the national insurance contributions that we are going to counter by raising thresholds. If the Opposition wish to take that position, so be it.

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

I am afraid that the answers that the Minister is giving are simply not good enough. Can he explain the logic behind the child benefit proposal, if there is any? Why is the assessment not being made on household income rather than just on the highest earner’s income? Will it apply to a cohabiting high earner or just to married couples, and why will there be a phenomenally high marginal deduction rate? Is it not true that this is just another “back of a fag packet” policy that the Government have not thought through at all?

[Mr Speaker]

There were four questions there, but one answer will do.