New Clause 5 — Transfer of personal allowances between spouses

Part of Bail (Amendment) – in the House of Commons at 8:15 pm on 28 June 2011.

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Photo of Steve Pound Steve Pound Shadow Minister (Northern Ireland) 8:15, 28 June 2011

Does my hon. Friend agree that there is not a person in this marvellous, glorious, gorgeous building who fails to accept that couples together often nurture and raise children in a happier and better way, although they are not the only ones? However, we are not arguing about the sanctity of marriage; we are arguing about a backhander from the state—a few bob. Mr Jackson, who was a bank manager and may well have interposed himself in a few intimate relationships in his time, is speaking very much from the perspective of the Conservative who sees everything in terms of money and fiscal benefit. Is there not a better way?