§ 65. Colonel WEDGWOODasked whether the British Cotton Growing Association of Manchester is assessed to Income Tax and Excess Profits Tax?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded from furnishing any information relating to the liability to taxation of a particular taxpayer. The hon. and gallant Member may, however, rest assured that if any liability to the duties in question has arisen in this case, it has been duly dealt with.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI want to know whether the British Cotton Growing Association is or is not a taxpayer? I want to know whether this trading concern which is not paying any dividends and is subsidised by voluntary subscriptions is included in the taxpaying class or excluded from the duty to pay Income Tax? If excluded, why is it excluded when its competitors are forced to pay Income Tax?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI must ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to communicate his question to me in writing, in which case I will consider it further. There is a statutory obligation on the Board of Inland Revenue and the Income Tax Commissioners not to disclose information in these matters, and I am not clear that I have any right to disclose it or any right to obtain such information from them. Secrecy is observed even towards the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is not sworn under the Taxing Act.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI suppose the House has a right to know what persons or what bodies are exempted from paying Income Tax?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThat is the question which my hon. Friend will put to me in writing, and I will consider whether I am entitled to give the information which he seeks.