Clarke blast at Tory wed tax scheme; RIFT.

Byline: By JASON BEATTIE Deputy Political Editor

KENNETH Clarke has put his size 10 Hush Puppies in it again as it was revealed he has blasted David Cameron's plans to bring back the married couples' allowance.

The Shadow Business Secretary believes that using the tax system to bolster marriage smacks of "social engineering".

Mr Clarke said: "I really don't think it's anything to do with politicians whether you (get married)... This is social engineering, for God's sake, and when I joined the party we weren't in favour of it."

Mr Clarke's remarks were made at a conference in December and revealed yesterday on the website www.publicservice.co.uk.

Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said: "The last thing Britain needs today is a return to these failed policies of the past.

"George Osborne and David Cameron should take Ken Clarke's advice and ditch their unfair marriage tax plans."

CAPTION(S):

TROUBLE Ken Clarke