Orders of the Day — Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:51 pm on 16 March 1988.

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Photo of Mr John Major Mr John Major , Huntingdon 4:51, 16 March 1988

I have given way twice to the hon. Gentleman, and that was once too many.

On the subject of redistribution, the other point that is clear to all except the Opposition is that, since 1979, the real revenues paid by the top 5 per cent. of taxpayers have risen by a third and those paid by the other 95 per cent. have been reduced. That is what has happened up to and including my right hon. Friend's changes of yesterday. But the Opposition's stance is admirably clear. They believe in high taxation, not because it raises more revenue—it does not—or because it improves the quality of public services—it does not—or because it leads to economic success—it does not. They believe in high taxes for their own sake, whatever the damage to the economy.