Finance Bill

It is not our tax rules, my Lords, but a reflection of the fact that the Government have been successful in the enterprise economy by producing the resources that, the noble Lord will recognise, have resulted in a very real increase in average income across the whole country. Let me just say that when speaking at this Box I can take a lot of criticism from the Opposition; one gets used to the burden that has to be borne. I am being challenged by the Opposition on the basis that they are concerned about reducing inequality and fairness. Given not only their record but also the principles they follow, noble Lords will excuse me if I do not take that position too seriously.