INCOME TAX (CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES). (Hansard, 12 May 1932)

§ 38. Mr. LENNOX-BOYD
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state the composition of the Committee to inquire into the position of the co-operative societies; and by what date he anticipates that the report will be made public?

§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)
The Committee will be composed of Mr. W. N. Raeburn, C.B.E., K.C. (Chairman), Sir Geoffrey Corbett, K.B.E., C.I.E., and the present President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Mr. H. L. H. Hill, who have very kindly consented to serve at my request.
The terms of reference are as follow: To inquire into the present position of Co-operative Societies in relation to the Income Tax and to report whether any modification of that position is desirable and, if so, what alterations of the law are required for the purpose. I cannot, of course, say when the Committee will report, but I do not imagine that the inquiry will take very long.

§ Sir P. HARRIS
Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what are the qualifications of the Chairman?

§ Mr. CHAMBERLAIN
The Chairman of the Committee is a gentleman of considerable reputation. I think he has a judicial mind, and he has had the sort of experience which will enable him to fulfil the duties of chairman with impartiality and justice.

§ Mr. LANSBURY
Can the Tight hon. Gentleman tell us what is meant by the phrase "desirable change?"

§ Mr. CHAMBERLAIN
The Committee will consider whether there is anything in the position which makes it desirable that there should be a change.

§ Mr. ATTLEE
Does the right hon. Gentleman mean desirable for getting in more money or is it a question of equity as between them and other citizens? It is important to know whether they are going to decide on justice or on expediency?

§ Mr. CHAMBERLAIN
It is not a question of revenue that is concerned; it is a question of equity.

§ Sir REGINALD BLAKER
May I ask whether it is a condition precedent to any action being taken in this matter that such a report should be unanimous?

§ Mr. LIDDALL
Will a time limit be fixed?