I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the tax measures introduced in my recent budget will be of considerable benefit to pensioners. I announced a substantial increase in the exemption limits for the elderly of £400 single —£800 married to £5,000 single —£10,000 married for those aged 65 to 74 and of £300 single —£600 married to £5,500 single —£11,000 married for those aged 75 and over, which will take effect in the new tax year. I also announced that it is the intention ultimately over a number of budgets to have a single exemption limit for all those aged 65 and over.
Where pensioners are taxed under the normal personal allowance tax system they will benefit from the general tax improvments introduced, that is, the increase in personal allowances of £250 single —£500 married, the widening of the band by £100 single —£200 married and the 2 per cent reduction in both the standard and top income tax rates.