HC Deb 06 July 1943 vol 390 cc1927-8
45. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that Ministers who are Members of the Commons House of Parliament are not in receipt of salaries as Members of Parliament and, accordingly, cannot claim for Income Tax purposes against their salaries as Ministers the expenses which are deductible against their salaries as Members of Parliament, he will move to appoint a Select Committee to consider the situation, more particularly as it affects junior Ministers?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

This matter was discussed by the House during the Debates on the Ministers of the Crown Bill, 1937. Undoubtedly, the position as stated by my hon. Friend discloses a case requiring consideration, in respect of junior Ministers. The Government have not, up to the present, felt themselves able to make any recommendation to the House.

Sir H. Williams

Would not my right hon. Friend give the matter further consideration, having regard to the greatly changed circumstances since 1937?

Mr. Shinwell

Is not being in the Government sufficient recompense for excessive Income Tax?

The Prime Minister

I hope that is personal experience.