Orders of the Day — Married couple's allowance etc. in and after 1999-2000 — 29 Apr 1998

Clause 25 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

There was nothing in the manifesto about the cut in the married couple's allowance that is being brought forward in this Budget. Indeed, there is nothing in the manifesto about marriage itself; the word "marriage" cannot be found in it. I said "a word". It is true that, on page 26, there is a picture of a bride who is doubly happy--partly because it is obviously her wedding day and partly because she did not, of course, know then that the married couple's allowance was going to be cut just a year into her marriage.

Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill:--

The Committee divided: Ayes 275, Noes 123.

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