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Finance (No. 2) Bill

There was probably local mismanagement in some areas, but the larger problem arises centrally as a result of the top-down reforms and changes that have been repeatedly inflicted on the NHS and, in many cases, not costed accurately. I was about to revert to the Paymaster General’s point and outline some ways in which the middle rich should pay more. It is ridiculous that they receive the winter payments, which they do not need. Postmen know exactly what is in the mail that they deliver and my postman made wry comments that made it clear that he did not believe that I deserved my winter payments. It is ridiculous for the super-rich and the middle rich to receive free prescriptions for which they could pay. In the public meetings during the Health Committee inquiry, it was clearly told that the only way effectively to replace the money that would be lost through banning prescription charges was increased taxation. Increasing income tax would be the only genuinely fair method. I should like to take hon. Members a little way back in history. Political historians and some people of my age will remember Stafford Cripps, Clement Attlee’s extreme left Chancellor of 1947–50. They may remember that, when he was ambassador to Russia, Churchill wrote to Stalin of him:"““His chest is a cage in which two squirrels are at war, his conscience and his career””." I wonder whether there are squirrels at war in our current Chancellor. I shall not guess about that because it may be unparliamentary. However, when Stafford Cripps rejoined the Labour party and was appointed Chancellor, he instituted a capital levy, which hit the super-rich. I do not suggest that we should return to that, but perhaps it would be more acceptable than the back-door, backdated proposal, which may hit surviving spouses or partners with a triple whammy of unexpected tax unless their spouse or partner is among those who are aware and can make the changes. If an unacceptable loophole for the middle rich is perceived, by all means close it. However, I plead with the Government not to make such action retrospective. I join other hon. Members in appealing for an increase in the threshold for inheritance tax commensurate with the rise in house values.